White House Invites All Governors as Trump Defends Excluding Moore and Polis
The National Governors Association (NGA) announced that a previously exclusive meeting at the White House is now open to all governors. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between President Donald Trump and two Democratic governors, Wes Moore of Maryland and Jared Polis of Colorado. The meeting is set to take place on February 20, 2023, at 8:30 AM EST.
Details of the White House Meeting
On Wednesday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the co-chair of the NGA, clarified in a letter that all governors from the 55 states and territories are invited to the event. He cited a misunderstanding regarding the scheduling of the invitation.
- Date of Meeting: February 20, 2023
- Time: 8:30 AM EST
- Location: White House
Stitt emphasized that Trump’s intention was always to include every governor. This shift follows a Monday announcement in which Stitt stated that Democratic governors had been excluded from the meeting, prompting the NGA to withdraw its facilitation of the event.
Trump’s Reaction
President Trump responded to the situation on his Truth Social platform, rebuking Stitt’s previous statements and criticizing both Moore and Polis. He expressed disappointment in their leadership while reaffirming his stance on the meeting’s exclusivity.
- Trump’s Points:
- Criticized Stitt for misunderstanding his position.
- Accused Moore of poor local governance.
- Attacked Polis over election-related issues.
The president claimed he would only exclude Moore and Polis from the meeting, describing them as unworthy attendees. This rhetoric reflects Trump’s ongoing conflicts with both governors, who have openly challenged his policies.
NGA’s Commitment to Bipartisanship
The NGA aims to represent all governors and maintain bipartisan cooperation. Stitt’s latest communication highlights the organization’s commitment to unity in serving the public, despite recent challenges.
As preparations for the meeting continue, the involvement of all governors will be crucial in fostering collaboration on pressing national issues. The NGA’s efforts to include all members demonstrate a commitment to dialogue, even amidst political divisions.
