Noem: Trump Wants Border Wall Painted Black So It’s Too Hot to Climb
- Nathan Carter
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump has ordered a new modification to the U.S.-Mexico border wall: painting it black so that scorching desert heat makes it too hot to climb.
Speaking at a press conference in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Noem stood before a newly constructed section of the wall and explained the reasoning.
“Now, if you look at the structure that’s behind me, it’s tall, which makes it very, very difficult to climb, almost impossible. It also goes deep into the ground, which would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to dig under. And today, we are also going to be painting it black,” Noem said. “That is specifically at the request of the president, who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer, and it will make it even harder for people to climb.”
The announcement comes just weeks after Trump signed what he called his “big, beautiful bill” into law, a $165 billion funding package for the Department of Homeland Security. The legislation earmarked a massive $46.5 billion specifically for the construction and reinforcement of the border wall, a project Trump has championed since his first campaign.
Border Security Gets a Makeover
According to Noem, the new funding doesn’t just expand the wall—it also modernizes it. Alongside the black paint job, DHS is installing advanced cameras, motion sensors, and other surveillance technology to deter illegal crossings.
“This isn’t just a wall,” Noem said. “This is a system of protection that combines physical barriers with state-of-the-art technology. Together, it sends a strong message: the United States is serious about defending its borders.”
The idea of painting the wall black isn’t new. Trump reportedly pushed for it during his first term, believing the dark color would not only make the structure more imposing but also exploit the intense desert heat to act as a deterrent. Critics at the time dismissed it as a cosmetic change, but the administration is now putting the plan into action.
A Symbol of Sovereignty
Noem framed the decision in broader terms, stressing that a secure border is about preserving the nation’s identity and future.
“I remember that a nation without borders is no nation at all,” she said. “And we’re so thankful that we have a president that understands that and understands that a secure border is important to our country’s future.”
She emphasized that the administration’s goal is not only to keep out illegal activity but also to ensure that those who want to come to the United States do so through legal channels.
“We want people to come here the right way, so that they can stay, build a life, and pursue the American Dream,” Noem added.
A New Era of Enforcement
The Trump administration’s renewed push on border security comes as illegal crossings remain a heated political issue. Supporters of the president argue that tougher enforcement is long overdue, pointing to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and strain on border states. Opponents claim the wall is costly and ineffective.
But with new funding secured and visible construction underway, Trump’s allies see the border wall as both a practical security measure and a symbol of the administration’s commitment to protecting American sovereignty.
And now, with a fresh coat of black paint, the wall will serve not only as a physical barrier but as a scorching reminder that illegal crossings will come at a cost.
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