Governors association says all members now invited to White House meeting

The National Governors Association has announced that all its members are now invited to a bipartisan White House meeting next week, reversing an earlier decision to exclude Democrats, although President Donald Trump continues to bar two Democratic governors from attending. Following a controversy over partisan invitations, NGA co-chair Kevin Stitt, the Republican governor of Oklahoma, sent a letter on Wednesday stating that President Trump is inviting all 55 governors to the business breakfast on February 20. This came after the NGA had withdrawn as facilitator for the event when it learned that only Republican governors were invited initially. Stitt attributed the change to a ‘misunderstanding in scheduling,’ emphasizing that Trump always intended to host all governors. However, Trump quickly contradicted this on his Truth Social platform, asserting that he never agreed to include Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, whom he deems unworthy. Trump specifically criticized Polis for blocking the pardon of election denier Tina Peters and Moore for his handling of crime in Baltimore and past controversies over military awards. These personal attacks have heightened tensions between the president and the Democratic governors. In response to the exclusions, 18 Democratic governors, including potential 2028 presidential candidates like Andy Beshear and Gretchen Whitmer, announced a boycott of the White House events. This move underscores the deepening partisan divide even in traditionally nonpartisan gatherings. The NGA, which aims to represent all governors equally, found itself caught in the middle. A spokesperson confirmed that Democratic governors began receiving invitations after the initial snub, but Trump’s public statements have muddied the waters, creating confusion about who is actually invited. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s discretion to invite whomever he wishes, stating that those who decline are missing out. This stance reflects the administration’s approach to governance, where loyalty and alignment with Trump’s views often dictate political interactions. Looking ahead, the scheduled meeting on February 20 may proceed with reduced attendance from Democrats, potentially undermining its bipartisan purpose. The episode highlights ongoing challenges in federal-state relations and sets a precedent for future interactions between the White House and state leaders.