The Greater Idaho Movement is seeking support from President-elect Trump and the new administration in border relocation talks

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Leaders of the Greater Idaho Movement said Wednesday they will ask President Trump and his new administration to get involved in supporting border talks between Idaho and Oregon.

In a letter published on Wednesday (see below), Citizens for Greater Idaho praised the former and future president as a “hands-on problem solver” whose support could bring about a “peaceful resolution to Oregon’s long-standing East-West divide and cement (Trump’s) legacy as a peacemaker and transformative president.” .”

“It has become clear to the people of Eastern Oregon that our own state government will not listen to us and implement what we voted for, which means moving the border,” said Matt McCaw, executive director of the movement. “But we believe that President Trump, for whom the people here voted overwhelmingly, can help us achieve the self-determination to which we are entitled by bringing attention and support to our cause.”

The movement’s president, Mike McCarter, agreed: “For four years we have been going directly to the people to hear what they want. They have made it clear that they want to start border discussions. We also reached out to the Oregon Legislature and Governor Kotek, but received no response. The Oregon state government has not been willing to listen to the residents of Eastern Oregon, but we believe the President will.

The Greater Idaho Movement began county voting in 2020 and seeks to move the Oregon-Idaho border westward so that traditionally conservative eastern counties join the state of Idaho, which the movement believes is more consistent with eastern Oregon’s values fits. So far, 13 districts have adopted their measures.

The group believes moving the border would create a win-win situation for both Oregon and Idaho by better aligning voters with state leadership and reducing political tensions across the state. State borders can be moved through a process called the Interstate Compact. The change would require approval from both state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.

In 2023, the Idaho House of Representatives passed a memorial resolution calling on the state of Oregon to begin border talks, and the governor of Idaho has also publicly supported border talks.

Learn more at www.greateridaho.org.