The annual gathering of governors from across the United States, traditionally a platform for bipartisan dialogue, is facing significant disruption as President Donald Trump has decided to exclude Democratic governors from White House events. This decision has prompted the National Governors Association (NGA) to cancel its formal meeting with Trump during the scheduled assembly in Washington later this month, as only Republican governors were invited to participate.
On Tuesday, 18 Democratic governors declared their intention to boycott the customary dinner held at the White House. In a statement, they expressed their discontent: "If the reports are accurate that not all governors are included in these events, which have historically been constructive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year. Democratic governors remain united and will never cease our efforts to enhance the lives of individuals in our states."
Kevin Stitt, the Republican governor of Oklahoma and chairman of the NGA, shared a letter on Monday with his fellow governors, which was later obtained by The Associated Press. In this correspondence, he highlighted that the White House plans to confine invitations for the association’s annual business meeting, set for February 20, solely to Republican governors.
Stitt articulated, "Given that the NGA’s mission is to represent all 55 governors, the Association will no longer act as the facilitator for this event, and it will not be part of our official agenda."
The NGA's meeting is arranged for February 19-21 in Washington. Representatives for Stitt, the White House, and the NGA did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the letter.
Brandon Tatum, the CEO of the NGA, expressed disappointment over the administration’s choice to render the meeting a partisan affair this year, emphasizing that this gathering serves as an "important tradition."
The governors' assembly stands out as one of the few remaining platforms where political leaders from both major parties can come together to address pressing issues affecting their jurisdictions. In his communication, Stitt urged his colleagues to rally around shared objectives. "We must not permit a single divisive action to achieve its aim of sowing discord among us," he wrote. "The answer is not to retaliate in kind, but to rise above and concentrate on our collective obligation to serve the people. America’s governors have consistently exemplified pragmatic leadership, particularly needed when Washington becomes mired in political squabbles."
Tensions over partisanship were evident at last year’s White House meeting when President Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills exchanged sharp words. Trump specifically confronted Mills regarding her advocacy against barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, even warning of potential cuts to federal funding if she did not comply. Mills retorted, "We’ll see you in court," to which Trump ominously predicted that her political career would be finished due to her opposition. Notably, Mills is currently campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat.
This exchange left a lasting impression on the previous conference, leading some Democratic governors to refrain from renewing their membership dues to the bipartisan organization last year.
