In a shocking development unfolding in East Texas, Smith County Commissioner Christina Drewry has pulled back the curtain on a troubling power struggle that strikes at the heart of constitutional governance. This battle has profound implications for county governments across Texas and raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the fundamental rights of both elected officials and government employees.
On February 14, 2025, Sheriff Larry Smith issued Directive LRS2-14-25, explicitly forbidding all 400+ Sheriff’s Office employees from communicating with Commissioner Drewry about anything related to their operations. This sweeping gag order came shortly after Drewry simply asked questions during Commissioners Court about a grant application that could potentially put taxpayer money at risk if not properly managed.
The timeline of events reveals a pattern that should concern every Texan who values limited government and constitutional principles. When Drewry attempted to clarify potential conflicts between the Sheriff’s immigration policies and Department of Homeland Security requirements attached to a $100,000 grant, Sheriff Smith became visibly agitated. He then canceled a scheduled meeting with the Commissioner and issued his directive just days later.
What followed was a series of stonewalling tactics that raise serious questions about the abuse of power. When confronted about the directive, Sheriff Smith told Commissioner Drewry she needed to “behave” to have it lifted – as if an elected official representing the taxpayers should abandon her oversight responsibilities and simply rubber-stamp whatever the Sheriff requests.
The Texians who fought at the Alamo didn’t die so government officials could operate without scrutiny. The Republic of Texas wasn’t founded on principles that allow one elected official to silence another through intimidation and threats. Yet that’s exactly what appears to be happening in Smith County.
This situation highlights three critical issues that strike at the core of our Texas values.
First, the bullying of Sheriff’s Office employees threatens both their constitutional rights and undermines public safety. These dedicated men and women – the ones who stand between our families and genuine dangers – now face termination if they communicate with a duly elected Commissioner about legitimate government business.
Second, the taxpayers of Smith County are footing the bill for this toxic environment through increased turnover, lowered morale, and inefficient operations at the Sheriff’s Office. At a time when every tax dollar matters, this represents an unconscionable waste.
Third, and perhaps most concerning, is the direct attack on constitutional governance. The Texas Constitution established a system of checks and balances for a reason. When one official can unilaterally block another from fulfilling their sworn duties, the entire system begins to unravel.
Commissioner Drewry has exhausted all available remedies. She met with Sheriff Smith. She consulted with District Attorney Jacob Putman, who declined to request an Attorney General’s Opinion on the matter. She even informed County Judge Neal Franklin of the situation. Yet the directive remains in force over 60 days later.
Given our understanding of the founding and construction of the Union, power should reside in the States. Given our understanding of the Texas Constitution, power should reside with the people through their elected representatives – not concentrated in the hands of officials who act like they’re above accountability.
The Texas Nationalist Movement has consistently advocated for transparent, accountable government that respects constitutional boundaries. This situation in Smith County represents exactly the kind of governance we’ve warned against – the unchecked accumulation of power that inevitably leads to abuse.
As Texans who value liberty, we must stand with officials like Commissioner Drewry who are willing to ask tough questions regardless of the personal cost. The bottom line is that we need the people. As victories in military confrontations are measured in terms of ground and territory gained, our victories are measured in hearts and minds gained.
This is why the Texas Nationalist Movement continues to advocate for the complete, total and unencumbered political, cultural, and economic independence of Texas. When government officials can issue directives silencing other elected representatives with impunity, we’ve strayed far from the vision of limited government that our forefathers fought to secure.
It’s time for Sheriff Smith to withdraw his directive and allow Commissioner Drewry to fulfill her constitutional duties. It’s time for Smith County officials to remember that they work for the people – not the other way around. And it’s time for Texans everywhere to recognize that the battle for liberty begins at the local level, where the encroachment of tyranny often appears first.
The Texas Constitution states clearly: “All political power is inherent in the people.” If you believe in accountability and transparency in government, contact Sheriff Smith (903-590-2661), Judge Franklin (903-590-4625), and District Attorney Putman (903-590-4605) to remind them of this fundamental truth.
It’s funny in a pathetic way when people object to legitimate freedom and minimal government “because warlords.” What’s Mr. Smith doing, if not abusing his power and acting like a tinhorn warlord? What good is their government doing anyone in Smith County when the prosecutor–whose job requires sucking up to the police, by the way–won’t enforce the law to protect a policeman? What good is their government doing the people of Smith County when judges won’t do their jobs by smacking down unconstitutional gag orders? Didn’t American citizens just spend four years being persecuted, fined, smeared, and jailed for allegedly “interfering with official proceedings” in Washington, DC? Is that not exactly what Smith, Putman, and Franklin are doing now?