Just when you thought Oklahoma’s 2026 governor’s race couldn’t get any more circus-like, Chip Keating dropped this gem: a proposal for the “Trump National Laboratory for Energy and National Security” right here in the Sooner State. Yeah, you read that right. A lab named after Trump, focused on energy innovation, advanced computing, and aerospace/defense systems, supposedly to keep companies from fleeing to places like Houston.
Keating, the former state trooper and public safety secretary turned gubernatorial hopeful, unveiled this in a News9 interview. He frames it as Oklahoma’s big comeback play. “Energy security is national security,” he says. “For generations, Oklahoma has powered America. Now, Oklahoma will lead her future.” He points to recent headquarters exits like Devon Energy and Expand (ex-Chesapeake). He promises this lab will lock in jobs, capital, and innovation by partnering with the feds, aligning state resources, and beefing up CareerTech training. Sounds ambitious, but naming it after Trump? Can you say “pandering”?
In his X post sharing the article, Keating laments how we’ve lost our oil and gas crown due to bad policies, unfriendly taxes, and our education system scaring off opportunities. Fair points, but the replies – including many from Democrats or allies of his opponents – aren’t buying the Trump praise. One calls it “glizzy glaze,” another jokes about renaming the state “Trumpoma,” and critics pile on about his past data center ties in Texas with foreign ops or how conservatives own the decline. Some even question if it’s a fed surveillance hub. Ouch.
Look, everyone’s piling on the Trump train for that golden endorsement nod. Stitt’s still smarting from his RINO label, Echols is dodging his DeSantis past, and now Keating’s out here proposing shrines. Is this a genuine fix for our energy woes, or just another flashy stunt to yell “America First” the loudest?
Oklahoma Republicans: Does slapping Trump’s name on a lab scream real conservative innovation, or does it smell like endorsement chasing? We’ve seen plenty of big promises before. Time to demand substance over slogans. What do you think? Genius move or total cringe? Drop your takes below.
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