Trump-Haters To Attend Governors’ Meeting
In a dramatic turnaround that underscores the ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and several Democratic state leaders, two high-profile governors will now attend Friday’s White House meeting after initially being left off the guest list.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis confirmed they will participate in the National Governors Association (NGA) business session with President Trump — but only after the White House once again adjusted its invitation list.
The episode has sparked debate about tradition, bipartisanship, and the evolving political landscape in Washington under President Trump.
What Happened? A Timeline of the White House Invitation Dispute
The annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association has long been a bipartisan tradition. Historically, governors from both parties gather at the White House to discuss issues affecting their states — from economic growth to public safety and federal-state coordination.
This year, however, things unfolded differently.
Initially, President Trump invited only Republican governors to the White House portion of the event. The move marked a break from decades of bipartisan precedent.
After concerns were raised — including from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the current NGA chair — the White House broadened the invitation list to include Democratic governors.
But in a surprising twist, Governors Moore and Polis were later told their invitations had been rescinded.
Then came another reversal.
Just before Friday’s business breakfast was set to begin, the White House extended invitations once more — prompting both Democratic governors to announce they would attend the meeting after all.
Governor Wes Moore Draws a Line
Governor Moore, who serves as vice chair of the NGA, issued a carefully worded statement before heading to the White House.
He confirmed he would attend the official business session but made clear he would not participate in what he described as political theatrics.
Moore stated that Americans are weary of division in Washington and said he intends to focus strictly on delivering results for Maryland residents.
His remarks suggest a balancing act — participating in a high-profile White House meeting while signaling independence from the administration’s broader political messaging.
Governor Jared Polis Emphasizes “Working Across the Aisle”
Governor Polis struck a similar tone.
He said that once it was clear he and Moore were formally invited to the National Governors Association business session, they believed it was important to attend alongside governors of both parties.
Polis framed his attendance as an effort to elevate the issues that matter most to everyday Americans, while also suggesting he intends to hold firm in discussions with President Trump.
The Black-Tie Dinner Controversy
While Friday’s business meeting will include both governors, they remain excluded from Saturday night’s traditional White House dinner — a formal event that typically includes governors and their spouses.
Governor Moore noted that being disinvited from the dinner broke with longstanding bipartisan custom. In response, Democratic governors have reportedly chosen to boycott the event in solidarity.
The dinner controversy has added another layer of political drama to what is usually a routine intergovernmental gathering.
Why This Matters for Federal-State Relations
For many Americans — especially those who have followed politics for decades — this situation reflects a larger shift in how Washington operates.
President Trump has often demonstrated a willingness to challenge long-standing norms when he believes doing so advances his broader goals. Supporters argue that this approach disrupts entrenched political habits. Critics say it intensifies partisan divisions.
At the same time, governors from both parties must work with the federal government on funding, infrastructure, disaster response, immigration enforcement, and economic policy.
Friday’s meeting will test whether substantive cooperation can occur despite the surrounding political turbulence.
A Broader Political Signal Ahead of 2028
Political observers note that governors like Moore and Polis are frequently mentioned in discussions about the future direction of the Democratic Party. Appearances — or absences — at high-profile White House events carry symbolic weight.
Meanwhile, President Trump continues to shape the national political conversation in ways that energize supporters and challenge opponents.
Whether this episode fades quickly or signals deeper partisan tensions remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: even a traditionally bipartisan governors meeting can quickly become a headline-grabbing political moment in today’s Washington.
