Oklahoma Governor Breaks With Trump, Calls for Clear Immigration Plan and Respect for State Authority
Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s conduct, dividing the GOP. In a recent interview, Stitt encouraged federal authorities to define their long-term immigration plan and warned against politically driven government decisions that could affect businesses and states.
Americans demand certainty, especially on immigration enforcement, Stitt added. He supported border security and eliminating violent offenders, but questioned the goal. The federal government must identify its “endgame” to inform states, businesses, and families, according to Stitt. He said immigration reform is important and that deporting all unauthorized people is unrealistic and unpopular.
The governor also questioned the federal government’s management of Rhode Island’s nearly completed Revolution Wind offshore wind project. After eight years, the project has all the permits and is nearing completion. Stitt stated that late project termination sends the incorrect impression to investors and businesses. The move was unjust and destructive to economic stability, reflecting a larger issue of policy adjustments depending on Washington political power changes, he said.
Stitt said government should keep firms stable so they can develop and serve the public. He warned that administration “back and forth” can deter investment and hurt long-term economic progress. Both parties must avoid using federal authority to pursue ideological programs or persons, he believes.
Both investigations and enforcement efforts against Trump were denounced by Stitt. He added neither side should politicize federal organizations like the DOJ. The governor says federal agencies must be fair and honest regardless of party.
Stitt stressed state sovereignty. He highlighted that the federal government must respect states’ constitutional power as National Governors Association chair. No matter who is in office, he argued this concept should apply. Stitt said residents would be frustrated if federal authorities enforced regulations in Oklahoma without state participation. Protecting state-Washington power balance is his priority, not party politics.
Stitt also addressed recent Minnesota federal agent deadly shootings, saying they raised doubts about federal activities in states. He supported tough border enforcement but said government efforts must be transparent to maintain public trust.
The governor discussed meetings with rural Oklahoma company owners who voted for Trump but worry about labor shortages. Some companies privately told him they use community-integrated undocumented workers. These laborers are often members of local families and play major roles in construction and agriculture, according to Stitt.
Stitt suggested giving states more authority to grant worker permits so undocumented people can work, pay taxes, and support local economies. He reiterated that he does not support automatic citizenship but wants a sensible solution to avoid economic upheaval. He warned that mass layoffs might devastate various businesses.
A recent National Governors Association conflict has also strained relations between Stitt and Trump. Trump slammed Stitt after the association withdrew from an annual White House conference after not inviting Democratic governors. Trump later indicated that invitations were extended generally with exceptions. Stitt attended a breakfast meeting with Trump and other governors after telling them about a scheduling conflict.
Despite the difference, Stitt said a productive state-federal partnership is crucial. He agreed that politics and personalities sometimes hinder cooperation but stressed that the National Governors Association represents Republican and Democratic state leaders.
Stitt’s statements illustrate Republican debates over immigration enforcement, federal power, and economic policy. His stance balances border security, corporate stability, and state rights. As national immigration reform negotiations continue, his desire for a clear federal plan and more state engagement complicates the political situation.
In a time of profound political difference, Stitt emphasizes balance: robust law enforcement and economic realism, federal leadership and state sovereignty, and policy decisions based on long-term stability rather than political shifts.
Sources
National Governors Association (NGA)
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Office of the Governor of Oklahoma
