Trump's Exclusion of Democrats Fractures Annual Governors' Meeting

President Donald Trump disembarked from Air Force One on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, following a trip to Florida.

In a significant shift, the annual meeting of the nation's governors, historically a platform for bipartisan dialogue, is disintegrating. This year, President Trump has opted to exclude Democratic governors from White House events, prompting a backlash from the National Governors Association (NGA).

As a result, the NGA announced it would not facilitate a formal meeting with Trump during the upcoming gathering in Washington later this month. The decision follows the White House's plan to invite only Republican governors. In a coordinated response, 18 Democratic governors declared their intention to boycott the traditional White House dinner.

"If reports are accurate that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically fostered collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year," the Democratic governors stated. "We stand united in our commitment to improve the lives of our constituents."

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican and chair of the NGA, informed fellow governors in a letter that invitations to the association's annual business meeting on February 20 would be restricted to Republican governors only.

"Given that NGA's mission is to represent all 55 governors, we can no longer act as facilitators for this event, and it will not be part of our official agenda," Stitt wrote in correspondence obtained by various sources.

The NGA's meeting, scheduled for February 19-21, remains one of the few venues where leaders from both parties convene to address pressing issues affecting their states. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump's decision, asserting that he has "the discretion to invite anyone he wants to the White House."

"It's the people's house," she remarked. "It's also the president's home, so he can choose whom to invite for dinners and events here."

Neither Stitt nor NGA representatives commented on the letter. However, Brandon Tatum, CEO of the NGA, expressed disappointment over the administration's choice to make this year's meeting partisan.

In his letter to fellow governors, Stitt urged unity around shared objectives. "We cannot allow one divisive action to achieve its goal of dividing us," he emphasized. "The solution is not to respond in kind but to rise above and focus on our shared duty to the people we serve. America's governors have always exemplified pragmatic leadership, especially when Washington becomes mired in politics."

Partisan tensions were evident during last year's White House meeting when Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills exchanged sharp remarks. Trump criticized Mills for her stance against barring transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports, threatening federal funding cuts if she did not comply. Mills retorted, "We'll see you in court."

Trump predicted that Mills' political career would suffer due to her opposition. She is currently campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat.

This contentious exchange left a lasting impression on last year's conference, leading some Democratic governors to withhold their dues from the bipartisan group.