The Greater Idaho Movement is urging President-elect Donald Trump to assist in their campaign for eastern and central counties of Oregon to secede from the state and join Idaho. In a letter, the group highlighted that many residents of these areas voted for Trump, asking for his support to help them achieve their goal of joining Idaho. So far, 13 counties in Oregon have voted in favor of this proposal, including Crook County, which joined in May 2024. The movement aims to incorporate other counties like Umatilla, Gilliam, Wasco, and Deschutes into their plans, which would cover nearly two-thirds of the eastern part of Oregon.
Supporters of the Greater Idaho initiative believe that conservative and less populated areas in Oregon are overshadowed by the larger, liberal cities on the coast, such as Portland and Salem. The letter to Trump was signed by the movement's leaders and expressed hope that his administration could provide a fresh approach to addressing long-standing political issues. They argue that for years, Eastern Oregonians have felt underrepresented due to their low population compared to the coastal regions.
The letter emphasized that the Democrats have held the majority in Oregon's political offices since 2007. It points out that eastern Oregon residents feel outnumbered and claim they cannot influence decisions on key issues. The movement's leaders expressed their desire to embrace the governance style favored in Idaho, which they believe allows for smaller government and greater citizen involvement.
In the letter, the leaders expressed excitement about the potential for Trump's administration to help resolve the divide between eastern and western Oregon, stating that his practical problem-solving skills could lead to beneficial changes. They concluded by insisting that they need Trump's help to realize their vision of becoming part of Idaho.
Earlier, the Greater Idaho project had sought to include parts of southwestern Oregon but changed their plans after some counties rejected the idea. Legally, the proposed changes to state borders would require approval from both Oregon and Idaho's state legislatures as well as Congress. Idaho's Governor Brad Little acknowledged the interest in joining Idaho but noted that the process would be complicated and would need legislative action. There is organized opposition to the Greater Idaho project from Western States Strategies, which fears it may have links to extremist views. However, no evidence has been found to support claims that the group has white nationalist connections.
Newsweek has not identified any proof that the proponents of the Greater Idaho initiative hold extremist beliefs, while the conversation around this project continues to attract attention.
https://www.newsweek.com/greater-idaho-oregon-border-trump-1996117
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