A court has ordered a social media influencer in Loving County, Texas, to cease offering free housing to attract voters, following a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Malcolm Tanner, who refers to himself as the leader of the Melanate People of Power, was found to be disregarding public health regulations by allowing tenants to occupy homes without proper sanitation as part of his plan to influence elections in this small county.
The judge ruled on Wednesday that Tanner must prevent anyone from residing at his two registered properties in Loving County until the court reviews Paxton’s claims, which suggest Tanner’s actions represent an illegal political takeover. This order is set to remain in place until November 1.
In a statement, Paxton noted that this situation is a serious violation. “The show is over,” he said, emphasizing that Tanner’s actions are a deceptive attempt to undermine local political power. He described Tanner as a con artist trying to exploit people with false promises of free housing and government benefits, insisting that Texas belongs to its residents, not outsiders.
Tanner has been using social media to encourage followers to join a chat group for information about free housing in Loving County, which had a population of only 64 according to the 2020 census. He has claimed intentions to gain control of the county by the 2026 election and to support candidates like his daughter for local positions.
After the court’s ruling, Tanner stated on Facebook that he would follow the order but also expressed his frustration, claiming his rights have been violated. He had previously filed a lawsuit against the local sheriff’s department over an alleged unauthorized entry into his home.
“We have documented any vandalism or threats,” Tanner mentioned, indicating he intends to take further action if necessary. His Facebook post featured an image of what appeared to be a piece of wood from a house in mountainous terrain.
“I came to Loving County with the intention to create a home and community and to live in accordance with my faith and constitutional rights,” Tanner explained. “Instead of being able to build, we faced destruction and harassment.”
According to Paxton’s complaint, Tanner’s home lacks sewer access, a septic system, and running water, relying instead on a gas generator and a method for waste disposal that raises serious health concerns. Some individuals Tanner had promised housing to were reportedly living in similarly poor conditions.
The lawsuit also accuses Tanner of false advertising by initially offering free rent but later charging fees, as well as threatening local law enforcement and oilfield workers. The recent court ruling focused solely on the public health violations raised in Paxton’s claims.
Furthermore, Tanner’s political ambitions extend to running for president in 2028, where he has proposed providing black individuals with monthly payments as a form of reparations for historical injustices, based on his social media statements.
“History will document this struggle,” he declared. “When our families faced harassment and our homes were destroyed in Loving County in 2025, we did not bow or give up.”
