Staff Reports
Republican Sen. James Lankford has found himself facing criticism from the Oklahoma Republican Party over his alleged support of a border deal that aims to address concerns about the leaky Southern Border. Although the bipartisan deal is not yet finalized, it would grant President Joe Biden the authority to close the border when it becomes overwhelmed. Former President Donald Trump took to his new social media platform, Truth Social, to express his disapproval, stating that “A BAD BORDER DEAL IS FAR WORSE THAN NO BORDER DEAL!”
State GOP Condemns Their Republican Senator for Bipartisan Border Deal, Threatens to Go Further if He Doesn’t Back Out via @gatewaypundit https://t.co/2v9Jt3hGg6
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) January 29, 2024
Despite the party’s disapproval, Lankford remains optimistic about the deal. In an interview with CBS, he expressed his positive outlook, stating that initial feedback has been good. Lankford brushed off criticism of the deal, dismissing it as mere “internet rumors.”
However, the storm clouds are brewing for Lankford in his home state of Oklahoma. State Sen. Dusty Deevers posted the text of a resolution on social media, which reprimands Lankford for his role in the deal. The resolution accuses Lankford of partnering with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in an “open border deal to allow 5,000 illegal immigrants a day to enter and work in the United States.” It goes on to claim that Lankford’s actions not only harm legal immigrants seeking citizenship but also pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans. The resolution strongly condemns Lankford and calls on him to cease jeopardizing the security and liberty of the people of Oklahoma and the United States.
The resolution from the Oklahoma Republican Party also threatens to withdraw support for Lankford until he discontinues his actions. Trump ally Roger Stone also criticized Lankford, and former GOP state Chairman Anthony Ferate disputed the legitimacy of the meeting, claiming that it was not legally convened. The party’s vice chairman, Wayne Hill, stated that they are committed to holding elected Republicans accountable to the standards set forth in the OKGOP platform, which supports limited legal immigration. Hill hopes that Lankford will acknowledge their concerns and take action to defend the border. He also expressed the growing strength of the grassroots movement in Oklahoma, which aims to take real action rather than providing empty promises.
The differing opinions within the party highlight the divide between establishment Republicans and those pushing for more significant action in addressing immigration issues. As Lankford navigates this political minefield, it remains to be seen how the border deal will ultimately unfold and whether it will gain the support it needs to move forward.
