How Texas Took Back Its Border | Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner

Securing the Border & Stopping China | Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner

In this episode, Jenny Beth Martin sits down with Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner, to discuss how Texas is using its constitutional authority, land management powers, and mineral resources to strengthen border security, protect American sovereignty, and fund public education.

Dr. Buckingham oversees 13 million acres of Texas public land and the mineral rights that support the Permanent School Fund — one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the United States. She explains how oil, gas, and rare earth mineral development on Texas land help finance schools, veterans programs, and disaster recovery efforts without raising taxes.

The conversation also explores Texas’ aggressive action to secure the southern border during the Biden administration, including:

• Declaring disputed islands in the Rio Grande as Texas territory to eliminate cartel safe havens
• Purchasing strategic border property to accelerate border wall construction
• Enhancing surveillance to detect cartel tunnels
• Supporting Border Patrol and maintaining operational control of state lands

Dr. Buckingham also details how Texas intervened to prevent Chinese nationals from acquiring strategic land near critical infrastructure and military bases, protecting the state’s energy grid and national security.

In addition, she shares updates on the historic preservation and transformation of the Alamo — including the creation of a world-class museum, education center, and restoration efforts designed to protect the Shrine of Texas Liberty for future generations.

Topics Covered:

• Border security and cartel enforcement efforts
• Rare earth minerals and reducing reliance on China
• Oil and gas production on Texas public lands
• Protecting strategic land from foreign adversaries
• The Permanent School Fund and funding public education
• Veterans homes, cemeteries, and land programs
• Disaster recovery and flood mitigation
• The Alamo restoration project
• Leadership principles for elected officials

Texas has long stood at the center of the fight for sovereignty, energy independence, and constitutional governance. In this conversation, Dr. Buckingham explains why what happens in Texas doesn’t just impact Texans — it shapes the future of the entire country.