Governor Stitt Requests Special Audit Concerning DEI Spending and Rapid Agency Growth

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 22, 2026) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt sent a letter to the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd requesting a special audit of the Office of the Attorney General. Citing concerns about a 205% increase in the Attorney General’s office budget between FY23 and FY26 and a massive increase in headcount, Governor Stitt felt it necessary to call for an audit on behalf of Oklahoma taxpayers.

“Oklahomans want limited government and lower taxes,” said Governor Stitt. “When an agency director more than doubles his budget over three years, taxpayers are owed an explanation. Oklahomans expect transparency and accountability from every office, including the Attorney General’s.”

Due to conflicts of interest, Governor Stitt has requested that Auditor Byrd to employ an outside, independent auditor to conduct the audit.

Additionally, Governor Stitt highlighted his disappointment over the Attorney General’s approval of over $20,000 of taxpayer funds directed to the Diversity Center of Oklahoma, a left wing organization that provides DEI training, LGBT programing and “gender affirming care” to adolescents. The Attorney General’s approval came two weeks after Governor Stitt banned this type of funding in Executive Order 2023-31.

The letter can be found here.

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