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Biden races to sell border wall parts before Trump takes office
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In a move drawing sharp criticism, the Biden administration is reportedly hauling unused border wall materials away from the U.S.-Mexico border to auction them off, potentially hindering President-elect Donald Trump's plans to resume construction of the wall. Videos obtained by The Daily Wire show flatbed trucks transporting sections of the unused border wall from areas near Tucson, Arizona.
A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent, speaking anonymously, revealed that the materials are being removed at a pace of up to half a mile per day from three key stations: Nogales, Tucson, and Three Points. The agent stated that the administration's goal is to relocate all remaining materials before Christmas.
The dismantled sections are being transported to Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona, where they are auctioned through GovPlanet, a government surplus auction platform. Sales of these materials have already begun, with online auctions scheduled for December 11 and December 18. Starting bids for the steel wall sections, described as "32.91' X 7.91' Steel Bollard Wall Sections w/Grout," are listed at just $5.
Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), whose district includes the Pinal Airpark, criticized the move as an effort to obstruct Trump's agenda. "The Biden administration is purposefully hamstringing an incoming president," Crane said. "This is a direct affront to the will of the people, who gave President Trump a mandate to secure the border."
The wall materials, brought to the border during Trump's first term, were left unused after President Biden halted construction in 2021. Trump has pledged to finish the wall, making use of the materials still present at the border. Selling off these sections could delay his plans and reignite funding battles in Congress.
Contractor Harold Lambeth, owner of DP Trucking LLC, confirmed that his company is handling transportation of the materials but declined to provide further details. Videos from the auction site show massive piles of border wall sections awaiting sale.
The Customs and Border Protection Agency referred inquiries to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which in turn directed questions to the Defense Logistics Agency. A spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary of Defense declined to comment.
Trump has signaled his intent to restart wall construction using executive orders to unlock funding as early as his first day back in office. However, the current administration's actions may force him to navigate political hurdles similar to those faced during his first term.
"This is about creating roadblocks," the anonymous Border Patrol agent said. "When Trump wants to restart construction, he'll face another drawn-out funding fight."
The debate over the border wall remains a flashpoint in U.S. politics, with critics accusing the Biden administration of sabotaging Trump's ability to fulfill a key campaign promise, while others argue that the sale represents fiscal responsibility in disposing of unused government resources.
A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent, speaking anonymously, revealed that the materials are being removed at a pace of up to half a mile per day from three key stations: Nogales, Tucson, and Three Points. The agent stated that the administration's goal is to relocate all remaining materials before Christmas.
The dismantled sections are being transported to Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona, where they are auctioned through GovPlanet, a government surplus auction platform. Sales of these materials have already begun, with online auctions scheduled for December 11 and December 18. Starting bids for the steel wall sections, described as "32.91' X 7.91' Steel Bollard Wall Sections w/Grout," are listed at just $5.
EXCLUSIVE: Weeks before Trump takes office, Biden is racing to auction off unused border wall materials.
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) December 12, 2024
Video shows trucks hauling wall materials off the border to a government auction site, where a massive amount of wall is waiting to be sold. pic.twitter.com/ogaQMBHw7R
Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), whose district includes the Pinal Airpark, criticized the move as an effort to obstruct Trump's agenda. "The Biden administration is purposefully hamstringing an incoming president," Crane said. "This is a direct affront to the will of the people, who gave President Trump a mandate to secure the border."
Contractor Harold Lambeth, owner of DP Trucking LLC, confirmed that his company is handling transportation of the materials but declined to provide further details. Videos from the auction site show massive piles of border wall sections awaiting sale.
The Customs and Border Protection Agency referred inquiries to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which in turn directed questions to the Defense Logistics Agency. A spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary of Defense declined to comment.
Trump has signaled his intent to restart wall construction using executive orders to unlock funding as early as his first day back in office. However, the current administration's actions may force him to navigate political hurdles similar to those faced during his first term.
"This is about creating roadblocks," the anonymous Border Patrol agent said. "When Trump wants to restart construction, he'll face another drawn-out funding fight."
The debate over the border wall remains a flashpoint in U.S. politics, with critics accusing the Biden administration of sabotaging Trump's ability to fulfill a key campaign promise, while others argue that the sale represents fiscal responsibility in disposing of unused government resources.
Source - The Daily Wire
