It looks like President Donald Trump is set to keep out Democrats from the White House. Trump plans to keep Democrats out of a traditionally bipartisan White House gathering of governors typically held as part of the National Governors Association’s annual Washington summit, the organization said.
President Trump is planning a White House gathering of governors during the National Governors Association’s annual Washington summit that will exclude Democratic governors, breaking with decades of bipartisan precedent. Normally, this event allows governors from both parties to meet with the president in a nonpartisan setting to discuss federal-state collaboration, policy priorities, and national issues.
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This year, however, only Republican governors are invited, while prominent Democratic governors such as Maryland’s Wes Moore, who serves as vice chair of the NGA, and Colorado’s Jared Polis will not attend.
The National Governors Association has clarified that the White House sessions this year will not be considered official NGA events, and it criticized the exclusion as a politicization of a forum that has traditionally fostered cross-party cooperation. Democratic leaders and commentators have publicly condemned the move, framing it as a departure from established norms.
The situation highlights increasing political tensions in Washington, demonstrating how even historically bipartisan events can become influenced by partisan considerations.
As per the governors’ offices, the president also revoked invitations sent to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), the NGA’s vice chair; and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) to attend a second White House event scheduled to occur around the summit: a dinner for governors.
Historically, gatherings like the NGA‑linked White House meetings have provided governors from both parties a space to share ideas, coordinate on policy, and maintain open lines of communication with federal officials. By departing from these traditions, the event risks shifting perceptions and dynamics in ways that may extend beyond the immediate gathering.
It is possible that the exclusion of Democratic governors could influence future federal‑state collaboration, affecting how policies are discussed or implemented across states with differing political leadership. Observers speculate that this approach could encourage more partisan divisions at both the state and federal level, potentially impacting the willingness of excluded leaders to engage fully in cooperative initiatives.
The NGA’s Washington meetings are expected to take place Feb. 19 to 21. The organization said Friday that the White House meeting will no longer be part of the association’s official schedule.