Oklahoma’s governor on Trump, immigration and tribal lands - Up First Recap
Podcast: Up First
Published: 2026-02-26
Duration: 30 minutes
Guests: Kevin Stitt
Summary
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt outlines his vision for a post-Trump Republican Party, focusing on state sovereignty, immigration reform, and the complexities of tribal land governance. He advocates for limited federal government intervention and emphasizes diversity and integrity in leadership.
What Happened
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who is also an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, discusses his leadership role as the chairman of the National Governors Association, emphasizing the importance of state sovereignty. Stitt advocates for a limited federal government and criticizes the politicization of federal agencies, specifically mentioning concerns over actions against President Trump's businesses.
Stitt highlights Oklahoma's role in immigration enforcement, noting that it ranks third in the nation for turning over violent criminals to ICE. However, he opposes the practice of targeting undocumented parents through their children, advocating instead for the issuance of workforce permits to immigrants to address labor shortages.
The McGirt case, which ruled that reservations still exist in Oklahoma, poses challenges for state authority on tribal lands. Stitt argues against having different legal systems based on race, suggesting that such distinctions are divisive and undermine the concept of a unified legal framework.
With a diverse family background, Stitt emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration across racial and political lines. He shares anecdotes about engaging with governors from other states, such as Wes Moore and Kathy Hochul, to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Stitt criticizes the political pendulum swings that affect projects like the Keystone Pipeline and a wind project in Rhode Island, advocating for consistency and integrity in government decision-making. He believes that Americans desire a return to principles of integrity, entrepreneurship, and limited government intervention.
Throughout the conversation, Stitt underscores the value of diversity and free markets, arguing that every individual brings unique perspectives that contribute to the strength and resilience of the nation. He underscores the necessity of moving beyond racial divisions and focusing on common goals and values.
Key Insights
- Oklahoma ranks third in the nation for turning over violent criminals to ICE, yet Governor Kevin Stitt opposes targeting undocumented parents through children, advocating instead for workforce permits to tackle labor shortages.
- The McGirt case reaffirmed that reservations exist in Oklahoma, challenging state authority on tribal lands. Governor Stitt argues this creates legal divisions based on race, which he believes undermines a unified legal framework.
- Governor Stitt criticizes how political swings affect projects like the Keystone Pipeline. He argues that Americans crave consistent government decision-making rooted in integrity and entrepreneurship.
- With a background in the Cherokee Nation, Governor Stitt values cultural understanding across political and racial lines, sharing how collaboration with governors like Wes Moore and Kathy Hochul fosters mutual respect despite diverse viewpoints.
Key Questions Answered
How does the McGirt case affect Oklahoma's governance?
The McGirt case ruled that reservations still exist in Oklahoma, which affects the state's authority over tribal lands. Governor Stitt argues against having different legal systems based on race, advocating for a unified legal framework.
What is Kevin Stitt's stance on immigration?
Governor Stitt supports issuing workforce permits to immigrants to address labor shortages and opposes using children to target undocumented parents. Oklahoma ranks third in the nation for turning over violent criminals to ICE.
What is Kevin Stitt's vision for the Republican Party?
Stitt envisions a post-Trump Republican Party that prioritizes state sovereignty, limits federal government intervention, and fosters entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for integrity and consistency in government decision-making.