Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters’ Friday press conference descended into a chaotic spectacle as he challenged a reporter who placed responsibility for the state’s consistently low rankings in education on his shoulders.
Walters, who called the impromptu media briefing after lawmakers rejected several of his proposed budget requests, quickly found himself in a tense clash with reporters.
The contentious session, which was intended to address his frustration over the legislative rejections, quickly escalated when a KFOR reporter raised the issue of Oklahoma’s education ranking.
‘Why would people listen to you when, over the years, we’ve continued to be one of the lowest in the nation when it comes to education? You blame other people, but aren’t you to blame?’ the reporter asked.
The question seemed to strike a nerve, triggering Walters’ combative response.
‘Let’s take a look at that question again, KFOR gets it fundamentally wrong. You are consistent at being wrong,’ Walters fired back, visibly agitated.
‘So we are not at the bottom of education. We continue to see dramatic increases in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. I know y’all don’t care to report facts,’ he continued, taking aim at the media outlet’s coverage.
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters (pictured) turned a press conference into a spectacle of insults and outrage on Thursday, launching into a fiery, Trump-style tirade at a reporter
The superintendent’s tone grew even more hostile as he accused the reporter and the media in general of spreading misinformation.
‘I got it, I got it. You’re fake news. I gotcha,’ Walters said, before adding, ‘KFOR will consistently report lies and I am going to consistently call you out on them.’
While Walters’ assertions may have been bold, they didn’t align with national reports.
According to US News & World Report’s 2024 rankings, Oklahoma ranked 48th out of 50 states in education, based on standardized test scores, graduation rates and higher education statistics like college graduation rates and student debt levels.
Despite the low ranks, Walters remained defiant in his response.
He continued his tirade, claiming, ‘Oklahoma taxpayers are tired of your lies. You guys are always wrong, and Oklahoma taxpayers are tired of it. They’re tired of the media not putting a spotlight on an issue like the budget.’
His fury showed no signs of subsiding, as he alleged that the media, particularly KFOR, was avoiding the ‘real issues’ facing Oklahoma families.
‘You don’t like my answer, and that’s okay,’ Walters snapped as reporters attempted to interject.
‘What you’re going to see is fake news like KFOR cover up the American issues facing families… Oklahoma families.’
The controversy stems from Walters’ ongoing battle with the state legislature, which recently rejected several key elements of his education budget.
Among the proposals shot down were funds for a new teacher induction program, recruiting military veterans and law enforcement officers to become teachers and providing educators with concealed-carry firearms training, as reported by OUDaily.
Walters, who called the impromptu media briefing after lawmakers rejected several of his proposed budget requests, quickly found himself in a tense back-and-forth with reporters
According to US News & World Report’s 2024 rankings, Oklahoma ranked 48th out of 50 states in education, based on standardized test scores, graduation rates and higher education statistics like college graduation rates and student debt levels
Critics were quick to pounce on his combative behavior
Despite his claims of ‘dramatic increases’ in Oklahoma’s education system, lawmakers did not approve the measures Walters had championed, including funding for ‘Bibles in every classroom’ and $500,000 for the concealed carry training.
Such items were part of Walters’ broader education reform package, which has been met with resistance in the legislature.
While Walters’ supporters argue that he is fighting for the future of Oklahoma’s children, critics were quick to pounce on his combative behavior, accusing him of deflecting responsibility for the state’s educational challenges.
‘Trump has taught a generation of Republicans to shirk accountability and to lie shamelessly,’ one X user wrote.
Another added, ‘A usual MAGA tactic—when faced with the truth, they call you fake news instead of addressing the question!’
Some saw Walters’ behavior as emblematic of a broader issue.
‘This kind of tantrum behavior in society’s leaders is so destructive,’ one user commented.
‘When internet archaeologists of the future trawl to investigate what happened to our country, I hope they share this clip with future humanity. He amplifies emotionally destructive behaviors for people to copy.’