Oklahoma Governor Stitt on Navigating White House Politics and Federalism

Navigating White House Politics

• 💡 Governor Stitt recounts the moment President Trump learned of the Supreme Court's decision against his tariff regime, describing Trump's visible frustration and immediate need to address the situation.
• 🎯 Stitt explains how he facilitated the attendance of all 50 governors at the National Governors Association (NGA) White House meeting, despite initial invitations being rescinded for two Democratic governors.
• 🤝 He emphasizes the importance of governors from both parties agreeing on policy, stating that Americans are looking for bipartisan cooperation, unlike what they see from Congress.

Tariffs and Economic Policy

• 🚀 Stitt supports President Trump's use of tariffs to bring manufacturing back to the US, citing national security and supply chain benefits.
• 🔑 He highlights the successful landing of EGA, the first US aluminum smelter in 45 years, a deal facilitated by Trump, but notes the penalty on imported equipment for building such facilities is counterproductive.
• 🏛️ The Supreme Court's decision has shifted the responsibility for tariff policy to Congress, which Stitt views as unlikely to act due to current gridlock.

Federalism and State Authority

• 🧠 Stitt champions the concept of federalism, where states exert authority against the federal government, referencing the 10th Amendment.
• 🗺️ He is reinstituting an NGA federalism document from the 1990s to re-examine and assert state powers, noting that states are the "laboratories of democracy."
• 🏫 Stitt stresses that states, not the federal government, are responsible for building schools, hiring teachers, and constructing infrastructure, advocating for flexibility rather than federal mandates.
• ⚖️ He contrasts horizontal federalism (states competing) with vertical federalism (states asserting authority against federal overreach), advocating for the latter to maintain a balance of power.

Leadership Approach

• ✅ Stitt describes his approach as one of common sense and likability, believing that governors can share ideas and find solutions without compromising values.
• 😊 He aims to remain joyful and avoid bitterness during his final year as governor, recognizing the demanding nature of public service.