The Biden administration is under fire for auctioning off unused border wall materials, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and GOP leaders. Critics see the sales as an effort to obstruct Trump’s immigration agenda just weeks before he retakes office.
Government contractors in Arizona are clearing out tons of steel bollards and fencing purchased during Trump’s first term. The materials are being sold at government surplus auctions with starting bids as low as $5. Border Patrol officials report that contractors are removing approximately half a mile of materials per day, with a goal of clearing all stock by Christmas.
Joe Biden is a vindictive bitter old man selling off COMPLETED "Bollard Wall" panels as scrap.
Already welded, already filled with concrete, already in place by the border, and ALREADY PAID FOR.
Starting bids are $5. pic.twitter.com/JnmmHM3RdV— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) December 12, 2024
Trump blasted the auctions on his Truth platform, saying the sales undermine border security and waste taxpayer money. “Joe Biden keeps talking about a smooth transition and unified government, and yet he races to sell desperately needed border wall for pennies on the dollar. It is CRAZY, and must be stopped,” Trump wrote.
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) joined the criticism, calling the operation deliberate sabotage. In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Schmitt wrote, “Selling these materials recoups less than 0.02% of taxpayer money spent, while undermining efforts to secure the border.”
https://x.com/DefendUtah/status/1867391745019064770
Republicans argue the sell-off is another example of Biden’s failure to address illegal immigration. The materials, they contend, are essential for Trump’s plans to strengthen the border wall and curb record-high border crossings.
Biden Administration has auctioned off the rest of ALL border wall parts. Pennies on the dollar were brought in out of the $2 billion you spent to buy the materials.
Biden=worst Pres. ever! pic.twitter.com/NgOxfo8WC9— Permitfisher (@Permitfisher32) December 13, 2024
The controversy highlights the partisan divide over immigration policy and the challenges Trump’s administration may face as it seeks to reverse Biden’s border policies. Many Republicans view the auctions as a calculated move to delay progress on securing the southern border.
