Trump Shuns Democrats at Bipartisan Governors’ Dinner

President Donald Trump has taken a controversial step by excluding two Democratic governors from the upcoming White House dinner, breaking with a long-standing bipartisan tradition of the National Governors Association (NGA).

Disinvited Governors

The governors snubbed are:

• Wes Moore of Maryland
• Jared Polis of Colorado

This decision is set against the backdrop of the NGA’s annual meeting, scheduled from February 19 to 21 in Washington, D.C. Traditionally, this gathering has included both Democratic and Republican governors.

Reactions to the Invitation Changes

Brandon Tatum, CEO of the NGA, expressed disappointment with the administration’s choice to turn the event into a partisan occasion. He stated, “To disinvite individual governors undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration.”

A White House official noted, “Many Democrats were invited to dinner at the White House, and others were not. These are White House events, and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants.”

Background of Tensions

Trump has had a contentious relationship with both governors. Moore has criticized Trump’s threats to involve the National Guard in Baltimore and has faced potential cuts in federal funding. Similarly, Trump has targeted Polis, affecting Colorado’s resources over various contentious issues.

Moore, the only Black governor in the nation, remarked on the significance of being singled out. He stated on X, “Being excluded from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight.”

Polis’s office has labeled the exclusion a disappointing departure from the usual bipartisan nature of the NGA dinners.

Context of the Political Climate

This dinner is a critical opportunity for collaboration among governors across party lines. However, Trump’s recent actions signal a shift toward greater partisanship in a historically bipartisan event.

In the past, Trump has publicly engaged with governors on various issues, leading to memorable confrontations, including with Maine governor Janet Mills.

As the NGA meeting approaches, the implications of these exclusions and the current political landscape will likely dominate discussions among state leaders. The exclusion of Moore and Polis reinforces the partisan divides that continue to characterize contemporary governance.