Why the Texas Border Wall Is Being Painted Black Under Trump’s Plan

As President Trump continues his promise of focusing on the U.S.-Mexico border, he, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have unveiled a new groundbreaking plan that has to do with brushes and a whole lotta paint.

Painting the Texas Border Wall

On Tuesday, Noem visited a portion of the border wall where she announced that the entire border wall will be painted black, CBS News reported. There are a few different reasons for this decision, but the main one is that the color black attracts more heat, making it more difficult to hold onto and grab.

Check out Secretary Noem's announcement on X:

Noem credited President Trump for this idea, saying it will help deter immigrants from crossing into the country illegally. The paint will also help avoid rust on the metal portions.

"That is specifically at the request of the president," Noem said on Tuesday, "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."

How Much of the Border Wall is Complete?

In a project that has spanned two presidential terms, the wall along Texas' southern border has faced many halting obstacles. As of June 18, 2025, just about 66.5 miles have been completed, and active construction is underway in numerous locations at once.

Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Executive Director Mike Novak claimed that, by summer 2026, $2.5 million in funding should get them roughly 85 more miles of border wall constructed.

Secretary Noem mentioned that the federal government has been building about a half mile of wall every day.

Because much of the border is on the Rio Grande River between Texas and Mexico, Noem also noted that the department is exploring "water-borne infrastructure."