No, Texas can’t legally secede from the U.S., despite popular myth
The theme of independence has recurred throughout the history of Texas, which was a republic from 1836–45. But the Civil War established that a state cannot secede. Full Story
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![The Texas and U.S. flag wave in the wind outside of the John Reagan State Office building on Jan. 15, 2020.]()
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Texas secession was a key theme in Russian disinformation campaign during 2016 elections, report says
The Russian-based Internet Research Agency used two social media accounts in particular – "Heart of Texas" on Facebook and @rebeltexas on Instagram – to spread falsehoods and exert divisions during the 2016 elections, according to a new report. Full Story
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![Screenshots released by federal lawmakers of Russian-linked Facebook pages promoting anti-Muslim and pro-Muslim rallies on the same day in 2016 in Houston.]()
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Texplainer: If Brexit Can Happen, Can Texit?
Hey, Texplainer: Britain voted to leave the European Union. Can Texas secede from the United States? Full Story
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The Texas Secession Debate is Getting Kind of Real
When Texas Republicans assemble for their state convention next month, it's possible they will debate whether Texas should secede from the United States. Full Story
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Texas GOP Votes Down Controversial Secession Proposal
State GOP leaders, in a predictable but closely watched vote, have defeated a proposal to ask Texas voters whether they favor secession. Full Story
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Video: The Daily Show on Texas Secessionists
On last night's episode of The Daily Show, correspondent Jessica Williams talked to handful of Texans, include a former Republican candidate for governor, who want to secede from the "oppressive" U.S. Full Story
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Bill Seeks Study on Effects of Cutting Federal Funds to State
State Rep. James White, R-Hillister, has filed legislation that would require the state to study the effects of cutting financial ties with the federal government. The bill is not intended as a call for secession, White said. Full Story
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White House Responds to Texas Secession Petition
The White House, responding to calls for secession from Texas and seven other states, has called for healthy debate, but to not let "that debate tear us apart." Full Story
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Petitioners Renew Talk of Texas Secession
A petition calling for Texas to "peacefully" withdraw from the United States of America was filed on a White House website Friday. It already has enough signatures to warrant an official response. Full Story
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Credit: Jacob Villanueva -
Falwell: Perry a "Strong Candidate on Social Issues"
Gov. Rick Perry will speak at Liberty University on Wednesday, and the Christian school's president and chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., son of the school's famous founder, predicts Perry will find a very receptive audience among its students. Full Story
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Perry is "Fed Up" With D.C., But Inconsistently
Gov. Rick Perry has at times been inconsistent in applying his states' rights beliefs, raising questions even among Republicans about whether his stance is as much campaign positioning as a philosophical commitment. Full Story
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Critics Want Perry as President — of Confederacy
A few protesters gathered in historic Charleston to jokingly welcome Gov. Rick Perry into the race for president — of the Confederacy. Full Story
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![Protesters, dressed in Confederate garb, stage satirical rally in Charleston, South Carolina outside Red State event where Gov. Perry announced his presidential candidacy.]()
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On Tape, Perry Quipped Texans Are "Thinking About" Secession
Rick Perry's infamous flirtation with secession at an April 2009 rally is sure to get renewed scrutiny in a presidential campaign — but it turns out it wasn't the first time the governor contemplated Texas leaving the United States of America. Full Story
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Texas Won't Secede — But It Won't Shut Up Either
Texas leaders aren't talking about secession, after an outbreak of conversation a couple of years ago. But the germ of the idea remains in the anti-federalist talking points that fueled Gov. Rick Perry’s re-election campaign last year and provided the outline for his book, Fed Up! Full Story
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Sam Houston, Texas Secession — and Robert E. Lee
No secession ball will mark the day. But 150 years ago today, on Feb. 1, 1861, a state convention voted overwhelmingly to secede from the Union, against the fervent wishes of Gov. Sam Houston. Caught in the mess was one Robert E. Lee, a federal officer in what had become a rebel state. Full Story
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Texplainer: When Did Texas Actually Secede?
Most media organizations put the date of Texas secession as Feb. 1, 1861 — 150 years ago today. But the reality was a little more complicated. Full Story
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Guest Column: Over Before It Started
On April 15, 2009, Rick Perry positioned himself for the first time as the defender of Texas against Washington oppression — and the 2010 race for governor was decided. Full Story
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The New Tenthers
Conservatives in Texas are invoking the 10th Amendment at every whistle-stop. But what rights does it actually protect? Full Story
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Signs of Discontent
Texans gathered for a "nullification" rally at the Texas Capitol on Saturday, January 16, in protest of federal healthcare plans in particular and federal spending and laws in general. They called on the state government to "nullify" what they contend are unconstitutional actions by the federal government — that is, to opt out of pending healthcare legislation and other federal programs and laws they feel go beyond the bounds of the U.S. Constitution. Most of the photographs that follow were taken by Bob Daemmrich; a few were shot by Ross Ramsey. Full Story
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TribBlog: Nullification Now
For the disgruntled ultraconservative, nullification may be the new secession. But as one prominent legal scholar puts it, “If you believe in nullification, you don’t believe in the constitution.” Full Story
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