Texas 'prepared' if Biden federalizes National Guard: Abbott

Amid mounting tensions between the Lone Star State and Washington over border enforcement, Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott has stated that Austin was prepared to handle a prospective federalization of its National Guard forces, should the administration make such a move.

Abbott made the remarks during an appearance on Tucker Carlson's "Uncensored" program, contending that such a scenario was not likely to develop. At issue is the Texas National Guard's deployment of razor wire along the Rio Grande river and a court dispute over federal agents cutting through it.

Pressed by Carlson as to his potential response should Biden federalize the guard, Abbott stated that "Well, first, I'd be shocked. That would be a boneheaded move on his part, total disaster."

Wow. Gov. Abbott confirms to Tucker that if Biden federalizes Texas’ National Guard, he has other armed law enforcement personnel standing guard on the border. He also confirms other reinforcements are coming from other states. He sounds very determined. pic.twitter.com/IRLSdi8DNY

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 26, 2024

"For one, as you might imagine, we are prepared in the event that that unlikely event does occur to make sure that we will be able to continue exactly what we've been doing over the past month and that is building these barriers," he went on. "Whatever we've been building, the Biden administration is now trying to attack us because of it and we will continue to do exactly what we're doing to expand our denial of illegal entry into the state of Texas."

The governor further highlighted that state forces were already working at the border and that he anticipated significant additional forces from other state National Guards.

"There've been about ten [states] so far that have sent National Guard or other law enforcement," Abbot contended. "They now are joined together with us. This is a fight for the future of America and they all know it. And so I believe that they will all be in on this effort."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.