Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt used a metaphor to describe the state of Congress during a recent conversation with Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Speaking in a Politico interview, Stitt said,
“It’s- it feels like we’re a, we’re a car racing towards a cliff. And right now, my party’s driving, and the Democratic Party’s in the driver… in the passenger seat, and we’re fighting over the control of the radio. And our car is racing towards the cliff here. Then, in three years, we may have a Democrat driving and the Republicans will be in the passenger, and we’ll still be fighting over what’s on the radio.”
Stitt framed this as a reflection on long-term congressional dysfunction. “Congress is not getting anything done,” he said. “We haven’t passed a balanced budget in Congress since the ’90s. Bill Clinton was the last time that we actually had a balanced budget… a former governor.” He emphasized that voters are seeking practical solutions rather than partisan conflict, and noted that many policy challenges are not being addressed.
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt just admitted that Congressional Republicans are driving our country off a cliff. Wow. pic.twitter.com/ghsky4SDYa
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) February 19, 2026
Stitt’s comments come amid discussion of his political record in Oklahoma. Former President Donald Trump acknowledged Stitt’s electoral performance on Truth Social, writing,
“Remember, it was RINO Governor Kevin Stitt, of Oklahoma, who was massively behind his Opponent in his previous Election for Governor, who called me to ask for help. I Endorsed him (Barely!), and he won his Race. He then went on to modestly represent among the people of ‘The Sooner State,’ who gave me unprecedented Voting acclimation in all three Elections, winning every County within the State, three times, and getting more Votes than anyone who has ever run for Office, including the Late, Great Ronald Reagan.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2026
Trump also noted Stitt’s approach to public messaging, stating,
“In any event, we will soon have a Governor in Oklahoma who knows how to accurately write a Press Release to the Public… Stitt knew this, but made a public statement that differed from the facts. Anyway, I’ll see whoever shows up at the White House, the fewer the better!”
In response to Trump’s comments, Stitt addressed the situation in a KOCO interview, stating that he takes the remarks in stride. “The president, he’s going to do what he’s going to do. He doesn’t really mean anything by it,” Stitt said, emphasizing his focus on representing Oklahoma.
The tension arose after Stitt sent a memo to the National Governors Association (NGA), noting that the organization would not initially facilitate the White House meeting because only Republican governors had been invited. Trump later stated that all but two governors were invited. Stitt confirmed the issue was resolved, saying, “Now we’ve got everybody invited. And so, we’re excited about that.”
Stitt highlighted his collaborative approach across party lines, including his working relationship with Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, one of the two governors initially not invited, as well as with other governors nationwide. “I work with all 50 governors. Like Wes Moore as my vice chair. He’s the Democrat governor from Maryland. And I really like Wes. We get along. He’s a great dude,” Stitt said.
Stitt concluded that he is focused on state representation and productive governance: “And I’ve got thick skin, but I’m going to represent our state. We’re going to do great things… And we’re gonna have a great business meeting. And, I’m excited to represent Oklahoma.”
