Governors Reject Trump Meeting After White House Excludes Democrats, Stitt Reports

The National Governors Association (NGA) has decided to cancel its formal meeting with President Donald Trump scheduled for February 20, due to a lack of inclusivity. The White House plans to invite only Republican governors, which goes against the NGA’s mission of representing all 55 governors.

Rejection of White House Meeting by Governors

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the NGA chairman, conveyed the decision in a letter to fellow governors. He emphasized that the NGA can no longer facilitate an event that excludes members of the Democratic Party. The annual conference is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., from February 19-21.

Statements from NGA Leadership

• Brandon Tatum, CEO of the NGA, expressed disappointment regarding the partisan nature of the meeting.
• The NGA has historically been a platform for bipartisan discussion on crucial community issues.

Stitt urged his fellow governors to focus on their shared responsibilities rather than allow divisive politics to dictate their actions. He stated, “We cannot allow one divisive action to achieve its goal of dividing us.” His call is for pragmatic leadership, particularly amid increasing political polarization.

Previous Partisan Tensions

Last year’s White House meeting revealed tension when President Trump clashed with former Maine Governor Janet Mills. This confrontation highlighted the challenges of maintaining bipartisanship, as Mills opposed Trump’s policies on transgender athlete participation in sports.

• Trump threatened to withdraw federal funding from Maine if Mills did not comply with his directives.
• Mills retaliated, indicating a willingness to fight in court, leading to ongoing partisan friction.

As a result, some Democratic governors chose not to renew their memberships in the NGA, signaling a growing division within the association.

The move to exclude Democrats from the upcoming meeting raises concerns about the future of bipartisan cooperation among governors. The NGA’s ability to serve as a unifying force is now in jeopardy.

In conclusion, the NGA’s decision underscores the importance of inclusivity and collaboration among the nation’s governors, particularly during a time of significant political division. As they prepare for their meeting, the emphasis remains on finding common ground and serving the interests of all Americans.