Up First from NPR Oklahoma’s governor on Trump, immigration and tribal lands
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Feb 26, 2026 
Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma governor and enrolled Cherokee Nation member, discusses state policy and tribal identity. He talks about his role leading governors, tensions with the president, immigration and workforce permits. He addresses tribal lands, the McGirt decision, and concerns about federal agents and election rules.
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NGA Is Meant To Be Bipartisan
- The National Governors Association exists to bring Republican and Democratic governors together to protect federalism.
- Kevin Stitt emphasized NGA's history from Teddy Roosevelt and said he refused to facilitate a White House meeting that would exclude some governors.
Phone Call Cleared White House Invitation Confusion
- Stitt recalled a phone call with President Trump where confusion about two events led to excluded invitations.
- He said the president intended to invite everyone and that invitations for the business meeting went out after Stitt clarified the mix-up.
Governors Often Agree Across Party Lines
- Stitt noted he has cross-party friendships, like with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and finds more agreement than disagreement.
- He cited shared priorities: permitting reform, energy reliability, immigration, and infrastructure over partisan conflict.