Oklahoma Governor Stitt Publicly Questions Trump‘s National Guard Deployments, Anticipating GOP backlash
OKLAHOMA CITY – In a rare rebuke, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has publicly questioned the legality and appropriateness of former president Donald Trump’s recent attempts to deploy National Guard troops in states with Democratic leadership, specifically citing actions in illinois and Texas. While stopping short of outright condemnation, Stitt suggested Trump shoudl have federalized the troops-taken them under direct federal control-before deploying them, a move that would have potentially bypassed state governors. The criticism, though mild, marks a notable instance of a Republican governor openly challenging Trump’s actions and highlights growing concerns over the potential for executive overreach.
The situation stems from disputes over border security and immigration policy. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been deploying National Guard troops to the border, and Illinois Governor J.B. pritzker has resisted federal requests for assistance. Trump has reportedly sought to deploy National Guard units directly, circumventing the governors’ authority. Stitt’s comments suggest even within the Republican party, there is unease about the precedent Trump is attempting to set regarding the use of National Guard troops and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
“Instead, Mr. Stitt said, Mr. Trump should have moved to federalize the troops in Illinois first,” according to reporting on the situation. Stitt acknowledged the likely political consequences of his statement, anticipating “wrath” from a “wholly subservient GOP” and the potential for a primary challenge.
The governor’s dissent also touched on a hypothetical double standard, noting the likely outrage from Republicans had President Biden attempted similar actions. However, Stitt also indicated a general acceptance of martial law under certain circumstances, provided local troops are deployed against fellow state residents-a position that has drawn criticism.
Legal experts suggest the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals might potentially be inclined to rule in favor of Trump and an expansive view of executive power. Should a circuit split emerge from a case in Chicago, the Supreme Court-which has increasingly issued rulings favorable to Trump without detailed explanation-could ultimately decide the matter. This raises concerns about the potential erosion of checks and balances and the rights of states to control their own National Guard forces.
Filed Under: chicago,donald trump,greg abbott,jb pritzker,kevin stitt,martial law,national guard,Oklahoma,trump administration.
