Members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation were united in their support of proposed policies impacting the state in President Donald J. Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening.
In his address, Trump promised an “American comeback” and highlighted his second-term administration’s efforts to increase border security, invest in American industry and halt diversity, equity and inclusion programs. His administration will reverse economic damage from the Biden administration, he said, which includes implementing tariffs.
Trump said farmers could be initially hurt by these tariffs, but the market will adjust. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Tulsa) said short-term tariffs are no concern, and he and other Oklahoma legislators said Trump’s call to increase energy production will benefit Oklahoma because it’s one of the nation’s largest oil producers.
To Trump’s right, Democrat legislators and their guests refused to stand or applaud the president, holding signs that read “save Medicaid,” “Musk steals” and “false.” Wearing pink in protest, they criticized Trump during the speech, and some walked out early.
In a video posted on X, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said the Democrats’ reaction was “difficult to watch.” While he understands they dislike Trump’s policy, Lankford said there’s no excuse for Democrats refusing to applaud DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old guest of Trump’s who survived brain cancer.
“It was just remarkable that they had just determined, ‘no matter what Trump says I’m opposed to (it),’ even if it’s things the vast number of Americans are supportive of,” Lankford said. “There’s some things that should actually unite us.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said in a video on X that while he understands Democrats are angry, he called their behavior “absurd.”
“Democrats in the chamber have little paper flags that say ‘false.’” Mullin wrote on X during the address. “Powerful stuff. Luckily, I think the guy who took a bullet for America will overcome this.”
Mullin brought his wife of 27 years, Christie Mullin, as his guest for the address.
To Trump’s left in the chamber, Republican legislators and their guests jumped to their feet to cheer on his policies, including Oklahoma’s seven congress members.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Norman) wrote in a press release that Trump is rapidly strengthening America by securing the border, pushing measures against “biological men in women’s sports” and renewing tax cuts.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to deliver on the mandate of the American people,” Cole wrote.
In a press release following the address, Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Tulsa) wrote that Trump has a clear vision to “renew the American dream.”
“The possibility of America is in our hands, and under his leadership, the next four years will be a golden era of prosperity, strength, and security,” Hern wrote in the release.
Hern’s guest was Mark Nelson, president of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of the Police.
Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, slated to take effect April 2. After an “adjustment period,” American agriculture will benefit from these tariffs and farming will prosper, he said.
In his video on X, Lankford said tariffs and pressure placed on other nations will propel them to decrease their tariffs on the U.S., which would bring down American consumer prices. Along with tariffs, Trump will increase manufacturing, Lankford said.
“This is going to be a bit of a push between countries, to say, ‘we don’t want to tariff you, but we also don’t want to have to live under your tariffs,’” Lankford said.
Hern told reporters short term tariffs would motivate other nations to negotiate with the U.S., and they wouldn’t harm Oklahoma farmers like long-term tariffs might.
“I can tell you with 100% certainty, the president wants free trade, but he wants it to be fair,” Hern said.
Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma City) said the economy is Trump’s next priority in a video on X.
“We’ll see some of the economic impacts, I believe, with the tariffs that are being put forward, trying to negotiate a better deal for Americans,” Bice said.
Bice brought Thomas Mancino, adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, as her guest.
Reciprocal tariffs are “common sense,” Mullin wrote on X. “Whatever you charge us, we’ll charge you.”
In his address, Trump also praised the efforts of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, an organization seeking to decrease government spending.
“We must eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse,” Bice wrote on X.
DOGE has made cuts to federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Park Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, which has impacted Norman’s National Weather Center.
Last week, an unknown number of employees were laid off at the National Weather Center branch in Norman. On Monday, Axios reported that the lease for the Radar Operations Center was canceled by DOGE.
Trump also said he plans to open power plants the Biden administration closed, claiming Biden closed over 100 plants during his term, a claim the New York Times said was false in a fact check of the speech. Trump also stated Biden cut oil and gas leases by 95% during his term.
Hern told reporters Trump’s energy plan will create high-paying jobs and Oklahoma has plenty of oil and gas opportunities, which will contribute to America’s shift to energy independence.
Biden’s policies hurt America’s energy industry, Lankford wrote on X, and any improvements in oil that the Trump administration saw were a result of first-term Trump policies.
“DRILL BABY DRILL. Oklahoma is the place to do it!” Mullin wrote on X. “Thank you, President Trump.”
Bice repeated the “drill baby drill” sentiment and wrote on X that Trump’s policies will restore the energy industry by reducing “rules and regulations.”
“Oklahoma understands how to power our nation,” Bice wrote.
Drilling energy on American soil is “common sense,” Cole wrote.
Lankford said conversations about improving the economy, border security and other issues will not stop, and he will continue to pray for America.
“Even in areas where we disagree, to say, ‘how do we find ways to be able to disagree in a way that still honors each other as Americans,’” Lankford said in his X response.
Abby Young is reporting with Gaylord News’ Washington bureau as part of a partnership with OU Daily. Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News, go to GaylordNews.net.
