D.C. Debrief: David Boren’s legacy, Trump's Zelensky remarks, and unlikely political alliances

Political Analyst Scott Mitchell and Washington Bureau Chief Alex Cameron discuss the passing of David Boren, concerns over executive overreach, President Donald Trump’s remarks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the unexpected friendship between Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Sean O’Brien.

The passing of former U.S. Sen., David Boren marks the loss of a significant figure in Oklahoma and national politics. Boren, who also served as Oklahoma governor and later as president of the University of Oklahoma, was remembered for his decades of public service.

“It’s very sad,” Cameron said. “He had been sick, apparently for some time. He basically had dropped out of the public spotlight now for several years.”

Boren, a moderate Democrat, was known for his bipartisan approach, particularly during his time in the Senate, where he chaired the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and was a key player on the Senate Finance Committee. Cameron noted that Boren was instrumental in shaping policy, including bipartisan opposition to South African apartheid and efforts in the first Bush administration.

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) praised Boren’s contributions in a statement, highlighting his dedication to local, state, national and international service.

Kendra Horn Warns of Executive Overreach

Former U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, the last Democrat to represent Oklahoma in federal office, weighed in this week on concerns over executive overreach.

“She was very quick to point out that she feels like Congress today is not being as aggressive as it was in his (President Donald Trump) first term in pushing back against what may be considered overreach,” Cameron said. “She implored Congress to do its job and not allow the administration to trample on its authority.”

Horn expressed particular concern over recent executive actions, including job cuts affecting oversight of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. While acknowledging the need for efficiency in government, she criticized the speed at which decisions were being made.

Republican Senators Respond to Trump’s Zelensky Comments

Recent remarks by former President Donald Trump, in which he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” and suggested Ukraine provoked Russia’s invasion, sparked mild rebukes from some Republican lawmakers.

Cameron noted that while few Republican senators openly criticized Trump, many avoided commenting directly.

“Many Republican members of Congress have long ago given up trying to totally understand or predict what President Trump is going to say,” Cameron said. “There have been some who've come right out and said, 'No, I don't believe that Volodymyr Zelensky is a dictator and Putin is.'"

Unlikely Friendship Between Mullin and Teamsters President

Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s once-contentious relationship with Sean O’Brien has taken an unexpected turn, evolving into a political partnership.

The two had a heated exchange during a Senate hearing in November 2023, nearly coming to blows. However, after the election, Trump encouraged them to collaborate on selecting a labor secretary nominee.

Now, the two speak regularly and plan to attend a boxing match together later this year.

“It really has come full circle to see those two as ‘bros’ right now,” Cameron said.