Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma is setting the stage for a new business court system in the state, purportedly in response to treatment received by high-profile business figures at the hands of other states. In a recent social media post, Governor Stitt underscored the intention for the system to provide "fair, fast decisions so businesses can focus on creating jobs and growing our economy — not fighting endless lawsuits." The message appears to be a clear pitch to attract business moguls like Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, who have faced legal challenges in other jurisdictions.
The announcement comes as a tailored appeal to large-scale entrepreneurs and corporations who may be frustrated with the legal entanglements elsewhere. Stitt’s statement, which was posted yesterday, implies that Oklahoma is aiming to provide a more lenient environment for businesses to operate. Notably, while this announcement may be seen as a positive step by some business leaders, critics might question the implications for the judicial process and the potential for conflicts of interest or relaxed oversight. In recent months, Stitt has been pushing for reforms that advocate for business-friendly policies in the state, as indicated by an online statement.
This move could potentially signal a broader trend among states competing for businesses by offering legal systems that promise efficiency and friendliness to corporate concerns. With the rise of remote work and mobility of companies, the geographic binds that once tied down corporations are loosening, giving states new opportunities to attract big names and the jobs that come with them. Stitt's pivot toward a business court system might attract not just large companies, but also foster a startup ecosystem hoping to avoid the legal quagmires that can stifle innovation and growth.
We’ve seen how other states treated Elon Musk and President Trump’s businesses.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) June 16, 2025
Oklahoma’s new business court system will deliver fair, fast decisions so businesses can focus on creating jobs and growing our economy — not fighting endless lawsuits.https://t.co/nzeOT0AMZm
