The federal government’s border-barrier buildout has long been a test of whether Washington can spend big without sliding into favoritism. The latest reporting on a surge of wall spending flowing largely to firms with Republican and White House ties tracks with an earlier pattern: during the 2018–2020 push, a small circle of contractors captured most of the money, and at least one enjoyed unusually public presidential advocacy.

Start with the numbers. A June 17, 2021 Government Accountability Office review found that 88% of $10.6 billion in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) construction obligations from fiscal years 2018–2020 went to just four vendors (plus two subsidiaries). Two of the top recipients were Fisher Sand & Gravel and SLSCO; each accounted for roughly 21% of all obligations, alongside Southwest Valley Constructors (Kiewit) at about 26% and BFBC/Barnard at 19%. In short, a handful of firms dominated the spending, with Fisher and SLSCO together taking about 42%. GAO tied...

The recent surge in border wall construction contracts awarded to firms with Republican and White House connections has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the left. Detractors allege favoritism and a lack of transparency, suggesting that these contracts undermine public trust and may not represent the most efficient use of taxpayer funds. However, such critiques overlook the paramount importance of national security and the necessity of decisive action to protect our borders.

Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., a North Dakota-based firm, has been at the forefront of these contracts, securing approximately $8 billion in federal contracts for border wall construction since the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4, 2025. This legislation allocated $46.5 billion specifically for the completion of the border wall and the enhancement of surveillance technology. Fisher's projects span multiple states, including a $1.2 billion contract awarded on March 12, 2026, for a vertical barri...

The recent revelations that a significant portion of increased border wall spending has been funneled to two firms with close ties to the Republican Party and the White House are not just concerning—they are a glaring indictment of the systemic corruption that plagues our federal contracting processes. This blatant favoritism not only squanders taxpayer dollars but also undermines the very principles of fairness and transparency that should govern public expenditures.

One of the primary beneficiaries of this largesse is Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., a North Dakota-based construction firm. In May 2020, this company was awarded a staggering $1.3 billion contract to construct 42 miles of border wall in Arizona, marking the largest border wall contract to date. This translates to an exorbitant $30 million per mile—a figure that raises serious questions about cost-effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. Notably, Fisher Sand & Gravel's CEO, Tommy Fisher, has been a vocal supporter of former Pr...