GOP firebrand flips script on 'stolen land' debate: 'I'm not going to apologize'

DALLAS, TEXAS: GOP firebrand leader and Texas representative Brandon Gill slammed the Democratic leaders for their apologetic tone over the stolen land argument.

Rep Brandon Gill said he is not going to apologize like Democrats for the greatest country to ever exist, generating another viral moment on Thursday, September 10, during his speech at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

"I'd like to acknowledge that we stand here today in the great state of Texas and the United States of America is the ancestral homeland of great American patriots, pioneers, and explorers who put down roots, fought for freedom all over the globe and bled and died to build the greatest civilization ever known to man," Gill said, the Republican crowd roaring in response.

Brandon Gill touts unapologetic way of fighting against Democrats

After his speech at the midterms convention, Representative Brandon Gill spoke to Fox News Digital, telling the outlet that it was his way of fighting against Democrats who often say that “we live on stolen land.”

"Listen, you see Democrats all the time wanting to begin their conventions or their gatherings by acknowledging, making some bizarre land acknowledgment that we live on stolen land, and they essentially just want to apologize for our country," Gill said.

"I think most Americans believe, rightfully so, that we live in the greatest country that's ever existed, and I'm not going to apologize for it…certainly most Americans don't want their elected officials apologizing for it either," he added.

What is the land acknowledgment controversy

The comments come as Michigan Democratic Party Vice Chair Portia Roberson recently faced ridicule from conservatives after she attempted to give a land acknowledgment but made mistakes while naming the Native American tribes connected to the area.

It happened during the ceremony at the state's nominating convention in late August 2026.

Gill used the incident to criticize Democrats who use such acknowledgments at political events.

While opening the convention in Lansing, Michigan, Roberson attempted to read a standard statement recognizing Michigan as the ancestral and traditional land of local tribes. However, the moment quickly derailed as she immediately stumbled over the word "Anishinaabe" (the tribe name).

Land acknowledgments were also part of the Texas Democrats’ state convention in Corpus Christi. 

Thousands of Democrats gathered in Corpus Christi in June to elect party leaders, discuss policy priorities and prepare for the November midterm elections.

During the convention, an Indigenous land acknowledgment was given recognizing the Native peoples who historically lived in the Corpus Christi area.