Trump faces potential ban from major Texas border city over unpaid six-figure debt
EL PASO, TEXAS: Donald Trump’s lingering debts are now creating a firestorm of controversy in El Paso, where he faces the unprecedented threat of a ban from the border city over an unpaid $600,000 bill.
The former president is still on the hook for $569,204.63, stemming from a 2019 campaign rally where police, firefighters, and paramedics were deployed at the Secret Service’s request.
Trump's failure to pay the debt has resulted in a 21% late fee of nearly $100,000, bringing the total amount owed to a staggering sum.
El Paso considers Donald Trump ban as the city contends with unpaid debt
City spokeswoman Laura Cruz-Acosta confirmed that El Paso taxpayers have been covering the cost of the former president's unpaid bill, prompting the city to consider legal action.
Although the city has not yet filed a lawsuit against Trump, it has intensified efforts to pressure his campaign team into settling the substantial debt.
In 2019, El Paso’s mayor expressed his dismay, saying, "I’m hopeful they’ll pay. I’m hopeful they’ll do what’s right. People that don’t pay their bills — that’s a character integrity issue."
The debt dispute has ignited discussions about potentially banning the twice-impeached former president from the city entirely. El Paso authorities have even sent a stern letter to Trump, warning that he could be barred from entering the city if the debt remains unpaid.
The city's letter stated that it "may choose not to enter into a contract with an individual who is indebted to the city for more than $100."
Donald Trump touts law enforcement support
El Paso, a key setting for US presidential discussions on immigration since the Ronald Reagan era, has never faced such resistance in collecting payments.
Indeed, Trump is the only politician from either party to leave behind a substantial debt for first responder services.
"We’re in uncharted territory having to collect an outstanding invoice from a former president," stated El Paso’s City Attorney Karla Nieman.
Although, Trump often portrays himself as a staunch supporter of law enforcement, dedicating an entire evening at the July Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to the theme 'Make America Safe Once Again.'
During the event, former police lieutenant Randy Sutton praised Trump, declaring, "Donald Trump is the best friend we will ever have," per Daily Mail.
Donald Trump’s nationwide debt nears $2M while shifting blame on Secret Service
Donald Trump's unpaid bills extend beyond El Paso. Across the US, other cities are also seeking compensation. From South Carolina to Montana, local governments and universities are pursuing the former president for unpaid security costs.
The total amount owed across various cities is nearing $2 million, with some debts dating back to 2016.
In several instances, cities have resorted to extreme measures, such as sending Trump’s unpaid bills to collection agencies, as seen in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Despite the situation, the GOP presidential nominee's campaign continues to evade responsibility, repeatedly issuing statements that shift the blame onto the Secret Service.
"It is the US Secret Service, not the campaign, which coordinates with local law enforcement. The campaign itself does not contract with local governments for police involvement," a statement read.
Meanwhile, other cities have taken a different approach by requiring Trump to prepay for security services before his visits. However, he has shown little willingness to alter his stance.
As Trump famously declared during his 2016 campaign, "I’m the king of debt. I’m great with debt. Nobody knows debt better than me," reported CBS. "I’ve made a fortune by using debt, and if things don’t work out, I renegotiate the debt. You go back and you say, 'Guess what, the economy just crashed. I'm going to give you back half.'"
