After previously calling the project a “billion-dollar scam,” the gubernatorial candidate says new information from President Trump and administration officials convinced him the aluminum plant would strengthen America’s industrial base and military supply chain.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei says a personal call from President Donald Trump and new information about America’s aluminum supply chain convinced him to reverse his opposition to a proposed aluminum smelter near Inola, offering his most detailed explanation yet for a position change that has become a major issue in the final days before Oklahoma’s June 16 primary election.
In a lengthy statement posted Monday on X, which can be viewed here, Mazzei defended his support for the project after previously describing it as a “billion-dollar scam” and questioning the incentive package approved by state lawmakers. The full statement exceeded 1,500 words and was posted to the candidate’s X account.
“President Trump personally called me about this project because America has not opened a new aluminum plant in over 50 years,” Mazzei wrote. “Aluminum is critical to our ability to defend ourselves as U.S. aircraft and other military components are dependent upon it.”
Trump later endorsed Mazzei in the Republican gubernatorial primary, elevating the significance of the candidate’s explanation for his change in position.
The statement comes after days of scrutiny surrounding Mazzei’s shift from outspoken critic to supporter of the project, which would be built near the Port of Inola through a partnership involving Emirates Global Aluminum and Century Aluminum.
The issue has become a central line of attack for Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Mazzei’s chief rival in the Republican gubernatorial primary. Drummond’s campaign has repeatedly highlighted Mazzei’s earlier comments about the project, arguing the reversal raises questions about his consistency and judgment.
OK Politics Today sought comment from Mazzei after first reporting on the apparent reversal and the contrast between his previous criticism and current support for the project. The campaign did not provide a direct response before Mazzei released his detailed explanation through social media.
Mazzei said his earlier objections focused on the state’s incentive package rather than opposition to the plant itself.
“My concerns voiced in the past were about the structure of the financial deal,” he wrote. “I was never opposed to President Trump’s goal of building this plant in Oklahoma.”
Mazzei’s statement did not directly address why he previously described the project itself as a “billion-dollar scam.”
That explanation contrasts with remarks previously reported by OK Politics Today in which Mazzei characterized the proposal as a “billion-dollar scam,” a description that became a focal point of criticism after he later endorsed the project.
In his statement, Mazzei argued that additional information provided by the Trump administration and others familiar with the project changed his assessment.
Among the factors he cited were concerns about China’s dominance of global aluminum production, the strategic importance of domestic manufacturing, the United Arab Emirates’ planned multibillion-dollar investment in the facility and projected economic benefits for Oklahoma.
Mazzei said the project would help advance Trump’s efforts to reshore critical manufacturing industries and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains for materials essential to national defense.
Even if the project ultimately moves forward, any national-security benefits would likely be years away. Developers have projected construction could begin as early as late 2026, with aluminum production potentially starting near the end of the decade. That timeline assumes the project clears ongoing legal challenges, obtains environmental permits and secures other required approvals.
Any delays in litigation or permitting could push production further into the future. Critics argue those realities undercut claims that the project addresses an immediate strategic need, while supporters contend rebuilding domestic aluminum production is a long-term national-security investment rather than a short-term solution.
The national security argument also represents a notable shift in emphasis from the project’s original rollout, which focused heavily on economic development, job creation and industrial investment. In his statement, Mazzei repeatedly framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to strengthen American manufacturing and support U.S. military readiness.
He also sought to address concerns surrounding foreign ownership of the facility. The proposed project is backed by Emirates Global Aluminum, a company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates. Mazzei noted that Century Aluminum, a U.S.-based company, would hold a minority ownership stake and argued that the venture would operate through a U.S.-based entity.
“The ultimate benefit to Oklahomans will be the massive economic growth that foreign companies such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan and BMW have brought to other states,” Mazzei wrote.
The statement additionally attempted to reassure critics concerned about the use of foreign workers, saying only a limited number of highly skilled employees would be brought in under H-1B visas to help launch operations and that the vast majority of jobs would be filled by Oklahomans.
Mazzei further argued the facility could generate significant economic activity beyond the plant itself, citing estimates that hundreds of direct jobs could support thousands of additional jobs in surrounding communities.
The post also addressed criticism from some opponents regarding the United Arab Emirates’ role in the project. Mazzei described the UAE as a close U.S. ally and highlighted the country’s participation in the Abraham Accords and its opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Near the end of the statement, Mazzei reiterated campaign positions unrelated to the aluminum project, including proposals targeting Sharia law and organizations he believes should be designated as terrorist groups.
The aluminum smelter remains one of the most controversial economic development projects in Oklahoma. Supporters argue it represents a once-in-a-generation manufacturing investment that could strengthen domestic production of a strategically important material. Critics have questioned the size of public incentives, environmental impacts, water usage and the involvement of a foreign government-backed company.
Mazzei’s statement marks the first time he has publicly attributed his change in position to direct conversations with Trump and administration officials.
With early voting beginning this week and the June 16 primary just days away, the project has become one of the sharpest points of contrast between Mazzei and Drummond. Mazzei is now arguing that the smelter aligns with Trump’s national security and manufacturing agenda, while Drummond continues to use Mazzei’s earlier criticism of the project to challenge the candidate’s credibility with Republican primary voters.
