In a recent interview on “The Breakfast Club” podcast, former South Carolina Governor and potential 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley stumbled when asked about the right of Texas to secede from the United States. Her response, claiming that it is “their decision to make,” has sparked both support and criticism.
During the interview, Charlamagne tha God referenced a 2010 interview with Haley where she mentioned that the U.S. Constitution allows for states to secede. Haley reiterated her belief in states’ rights and stated that if Texas decided to secede, it would be their decision to make. However, she also expressed doubt that Texas would actually take such a step.
The issue of Texas secession has gained attention due to the ongoing standoff between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Biden administration over the state’s border crisis. Texas has implemented a razor wire fence along Eagle Pass to address the record number of migrant crossings, leading to a legal battle between the state and the federal government.
Abbott argues that President Biden’s inaction at the border has triggered Article 1, Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits states from entering into agreements or compacts with foreign powers or engaging in war without the consent of Congress. However, it does not allow for secession.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that while the case continues in lower courts, the federal government can cut down the fence, but Texas can continue building it. This decision has fueled speculation about escalating tensions between Texas and the federal government.
It is important to note that secession is not legally permissible under the Constitution, as affirmed by the Supreme Court. Even during the Civil War, the court ruled that secession was never legal. When Texas rejoined the Union in 1845, it was agreed that the state could potentially divide into additional states, but there was no provision for seceding from the United States.
Despite the controversy surrounding Haley’s comments, it is unlikely that Texas will actually pursue secession. The state’s annexation resolution only allows for the possibility of dividing into new states, and only Congress has the power to admit new states to the Union.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s remarks about Texas secession have sparked a debate about states’ rights and the limits of the Constitution. While her comments may appeal to some conservative voters, the legal and historical context makes it clear that secession is not a viable option. The ongoing border crisis and tensions between Texas and the federal government highlight the complexities of immigration policy and the role of states in addressing these issues.
