Trump intends to exclude Democratic governors from a traditionally bipartisan meeting.

President Donald Trump’s administration has taken the unprecedented step of excluding Democratic governors from a traditional bipartisan gathering organized by the National Governors Association (NGA). The decision, which affects attendees of the forthcoming annual Washington summit, has raised significant concerns regarding the spirit of cooperation and unity that has historically characterized such meetings.

The exclusion was confirmed by the NGA, which noted that invitations to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who serves as the organization’s vice chair, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis have been revoked. These developments extend to a White House dinner planned as part of the summit, emphasizing a shift toward partisanship in an event that has long been a platform for bipartisan dialogue among state leaders.

Governor Moore expressed his dismay regarding the uninvitation in a statement, highlighting the historical importance of the NGA dinner. He emphasized that it has served as an opportunity for governors from various political backgrounds to foster relationships and collaborate on issues affecting their constituents. Moore characterized the administration’s decision as a blatant disregard for the spirit of bipartisan federal-state partnerships.

In a subsequent appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Moore articulated his confusion over the decision, referencing a recent bipartisan meeting where governors had gathered with Trump to discuss lowering energy costs. His remarks also touched on a personal note, as he pointed out that he is the only Black governor in the U.S., underscoring the painful implications of his exclusion from such a significant event.

While Moore and Polis were disinvited, it is noteworthy that several Democratic governors still received invites to attend the summit, a fact that raises questions about the criteria used for participation. The White House has not provided an explanation for the exclusion nor a list of attending governors, further complicating the narrative surrounding these events.

This decision comes on the heels of ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and several Democratic-led states. Moore has openly criticized Trump on various issues, including a controversial threat to deploy the National Guard to Baltimore, while Polis has engaged in public disputes with Trump over election-related matters, specifically regarding the case of a former county clerk in Colorado.

The NGA’s Washington meetings are scheduled for February 19 to 21, and following the revocation of the invitation, the traditional White House meeting will no longer be part of the NGA’s official agenda. Brandon Tatum, the interim CEO of the NGA, voiced disappointment over the administration’s choice to politicize the gathering, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a bipartisan framework for constructive dialogue among governors during a critical time in the nation’s governance landscape.

In conclusion, the exclusion of Democratic governors from the White House gathering marks a significant departure from the customary bipartisan approach, raising concerns over the implications for federal-state relations and collaborative governance moving forward. As states grapple with numerous challenges, the ability to engage across party lines remains vital for effective policy development and implementation.