Trump BANS Democrats From White House Meeting

Man in suit and red tie speaking outside.

President Trump has shattered decades of bipartisan tradition by excluding Democratic governors from the annual White House meeting, signaling a hardline approach that prioritizes conservative unity over hollow political theater with leftist state leaders.

Story Snapshot

Trump invites only Republican governors to annual White House meeting, breaking decades-long bipartisan precedent at National Governors Association gathering
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis disinvited from separate dinner without explanation, sparking boycotts
White House defends decision as presidential prerogative while Democratic governors claim partisan disrespect undermines federal-state collaboration
National Governors Association criticizes move as threatening unity during critical national moment

Breaking With Decades of Political Theater

President Donald Trump restructured the traditional National Governors Association White House meeting scheduled for late February 2026, extending invitations exclusively to Republican governors for the policy session. The annual event, historically bipartisan for decades under previous administrations, typically fostered federal-state collaboration during NGA winter gatherings. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, stating the President maintains full authority over guest lists and characterizing criticism as a manufactured controversy. The administration noted separate coordination meetings with Democratic governors occur independently, though these lack the symbolic weight of the formal NGA-linked session.

Targeted Disinvitations Spark Controversy

At least two Democratic governors received explicit disinvitations from a planned bipartisan dinner component: Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who serves as NGA Vice Chair and represents the nation’s only Black governor, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Moore characterized the exclusion as blatant disrespect, emphasizing he would not compromise his dignity or independence. The Polis disinvitation follows months of Trump pressure on Colorado officials to pardon Tina Peters, convicted on state charges related to 2020 election tampering allegations, despite federal pardon powers being inapplicable to state convictions. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a boycott of the dinner during an ABC appearance, asserting the administration prioritizes partisan loyalty over national unity.

Conservative Perspective on Executive Authority

Trump’s decision reflects legitimate presidential discretion over White House access, particularly when dealing with Democratic governors who have actively obstructed conservative policies on immigration enforcement, election integrity, and federal-state cooperation. The administration’s separate engagement channels with Democratic officials demonstrate continued dialogue without legitimizing performative bipartisanship that historically produced minimal substantive results. For conservatives frustrated with years of leftist governors undermining Trump-era initiatives through sanctuary policies and legal challenges, this approach prioritizes productive collaboration with aligned state leaders over symbolic photo opportunities. The President’s focus on working with governors who share constitutional values and policy objectives represents efficient governance rather than partisan exclusion.

Institutional Response and Political Fallout

National Governors Association Acting CEO Brandon Tatum released a statement expressing disappointment, arguing the exclusion undermines federal-state collaboration at a critical national moment and calling for unity and constructive engagement. The organization indicated it would not recognize the limited dinner as an official NGA event according to Moore’s statement. Democratic governors frame the move as eroding essential federalism traditions that facilitate policy coordination across party lines, with potential long-term implications for future administration interactions with state leadership. The controversy highlights the deepening partisan divide in federal-state relations, though the White House maintains its approach streamlines policy discussions with governors committed to shared conservative priorities rather than perpetuating gridlock.

National Governors Association annual meeting in DC with the President. All 50 governors always meet with the prez. Trump says nope, invites only Republican governors to meet with him. He’s by far the most hateful, most divisive person in America today. https://t.co/zyov7NXsKV

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) February 10, 2026

The February 2026 NGA winter gathering proceeds with the Republican-only White House policy meeting as scheduled, while affected Democratic governors pursue alternative coordination channels. This restructuring establishes a precedent that future administrations may reference when balancing inclusive optics against productive policy advancement with ideologically aligned state partners.