Fact Check: Texas Border Wall Program Could Take 30 Years and $20 Billion to Complete
What We Know
The claim that the Texas border wall program could take 30 years and cost $20 billion has been reported by multiple sources. According to the Texas Tribune, the wall's construction is progressing at a rate of approximately half a mile per week. This pace suggests that, at the current rate, the completion timeline could indeed stretch to around 30 years. As of July 2024, the state had constructed about 34 miles of the wall, indicating that substantial work remains to be done.
Furthermore, the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) has reported that as of June 18, 2025, approximately 66.4 miles of the border wall had been completed, with ongoing construction at various locations across several counties (Texas Facilities Commission). The TFC has also indicated that the total funding appropriated for the program is around $2.5 billion, which raises questions about the projected total cost of $20 billion mentioned in the claim.
Analysis
The assertion that the Texas border wall could take 30 years and $20 billion to complete is based on the current pace of construction and funding challenges. The Texas Tribune highlights that with the current rate of construction, it is feasible for the project to extend over three decades. However, the projected $20 billion cost is less clear. The TFC has not confirmed this figure, and their current funding stands at $2.5 billion, which is intended to cover the construction of approximately 100 miles of wall by the end of 2026 (Texas Facilities Commission).
The reliability of the sources is generally high; the Texas Facilities Commission is a government entity responsible for overseeing the project, while the Texas Tribune is a reputable news organization known for its investigative journalism. However, the $20 billion figure may reflect speculative estimates rather than confirmed costs, as it has not been officially substantiated by the TFC or any other authoritative source.
Conclusion
The claim that the Texas border wall program could take 30 years and cost $20 billion to complete is Partially True. While the timeline of 30 years is plausible given the current construction pace, the $20 billion cost lacks direct confirmation from credible sources and appears to be an estimate rather than a definitive figure. The actual financial requirements and completion timeline may vary based on future funding and construction efficiencies.
