Trump Excludes Democrats, Unraveling Annual Governors’ White House Meeting

President Donald Trump has stirred political controversy by excluding Democratic governors from key events during the annual meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA). This decision has disrupted what has historically been a bipartisan occasion, drawing significant backlash from Democratic leaders.

Exclusion of Democratic Governors

The NGA announced that it would not facilitate the upcoming meeting scheduled for February 20, 2026. This decision came after Trump’s administration opted to invite only Republican governors to the White House events. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the NGA chair, confirmed this shift in a letter to fellow governors.

Boycotts by Democratic Governors

In response to the exclusion, 18 Democratic governors jointly declared they would boycott the traditional White House dinner. They expressed their commitment to unity and bipartisanship, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all states. The governors’ letter stated:

• “If reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year.”
• “Democratic governors remain united and will never stop fighting to protect and make life better for people in our states.”

Reactions from the NGA and the White House

Brandon Tatum, CEO of the NGA, labeled the White House meeting an “important tradition” but lamented the administration’s choice to frame it as a partisan affair. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president’s prerogative, stating, “It’s the people’s house. It’s also the president’s home.”

Past Partisan Tensions

Partisan tensions have intensified since last year’s NGA meeting when Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills engaged in a public dispute over a controversial policy affecting transgender athletes. Trump threatened to withdraw federal funding from Maine, prompting Mills to respond defiantly. This incident contributed to some Democratic governors opting not to renew their memberships in the NGA.

Implications of the Current Climate

The current political climate raises questions about the future of bipartisan cooperation among governors. Governor Stitt urged his peers to rise above divisiveness, reminding them of their collective responsibility to their constituents. His letter emphasized the need for pragmatic leadership amid a politically charged atmosphere.