In a move that left many conservatives shaking their heads, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) appeared on CNN’s *The Arena* this week to take aim—not at the Biden Administration’s open-border disaster—but at President Donald Trump for doing what the American people have been demanding for years: deporting criminal illegal aliens swiftly and decisively.
Lankford, a notorious RINO and architect of the now-infamous Biden-era “border deal” that would have kept the floodgates open, stunned viewers when he argued for more “due process” rights—not for Americans, but for illegal aliens, including dangerous gang members from MS-13 and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua.
This comes in response to Trump’s use of the *Alien Enemies Act* to deport hundreds of foreign gangsters back in March—a legal and long-overdue action that most conservatives praised as a return to law and order. Predictably, the left threw a fit. But shockingly, Lankford joined them, echoing Democrat talking points and suggesting that even violent illegal alien criminals deserve more chances to delay or block their removal.
CNN’s Kasie Hunt teed up the softball during the segment, parroting leftist concerns about “due process” and grilling Lankford on whether Trump would “uphold the Constitution” during deportations. Rather than defend Trump’s legal authority or the necessity of immediate action to restore border security, Lankford dodged. “I am,” he said when asked if he trusts Trump, but quickly softened it by quoting Trump as saying his attorneys would “make sure they get it right.”
Then came the real betrayal. Lankford shifted into full apologist mode for illegal aliens, arguing they should be afforded expanded legal protections, even as their presence in the country violates federal law. “There is a need to give an opportunity for someone to be able to make an argument before they are removed from the country,” he said—completely ignoring that the *Alien Enemies Act* allows expedited removal in cases involving national security threats.
In other words, Lankford wants MS-13 thugs and foreign gang members to be able to sit in U.S. immigration courts, tie up the system, and potentially remain in our communities longer—all while Americans pay the price in safety and taxpayer dollars.
Let’s be clear: President Trump used lawful authority to deport known threats. These aren’t day laborers or “dreamers.” These are hardened criminals linked to violent cartels. And instead of standing up for law-abiding Americans, Lankford is worried about giving foreign gangsters courtroom speeches.
This isn’t the first time Lankford has cozied up to the left on immigration. His failed border deal with Senate Democrats earlier this year was roundly rejected by conservatives for trading permanent border chaos for vague promises of reform. Now, he’s back in front of CNN cameras, once again playing defense for illegal immigrants and throwing shade at President Trump.
Conservatives should take note: when the moment comes to choose between protecting American citizens or pandering to progressive elites, Senator James Lankford has shown exactly where he stands—and it’s not with the American people.
