President Donald Trump hosted the annual National Governors Association winter meeting at the White House in February 2026. He invited only Republican governors to the business session. This decision marked a departure from longstanding practice.
Partisan Shift in Annual Event
The association convened governors in Washington for discussions. Traditionally, presidents included leaders from both parties. However Trump limited the working meeting to Republicans. Consequently, Democratic governors missed key talks with cabinet secretaries.
In addition, the White House planned a black-tie dinner for most governors and spouses. Yet authorities excluded two Democrats from this event.
Specific Exclusions Spark Controversy
Wes Moore, the Governor of Maryland, and Jared Polis, the Governor of Colorado, received no invitations to the dinner. Moore served as vice chair of the National Governors Association.
He described the move as confusing. “As the nation’s only Black governor, I can’t ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight,” Moore stated.
Moreover Moore called the decision blatant disrespect. He noted it harmed federal state partnership. Polis also clashed with the administration in the past.
Responses from Officials
Brandon Tatum, the interim executive director of the National Governors Association, expressed disappointment. “The bipartisan White House governors meeting is an important tradition, and we are disappointed in the administration’s decision to make it a partisan occasion this year,” Tatum said.
A White House official defended the choice. “These are White House events and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants,” the official stated.
Critics argued the exclusion symbolized Trump’s view of leading only part of the country. The association proceeded with other events, but the partisan divide persisted.
