President Donald Trump's decision to exclude Democratic governors from White House events during the annual National Governors Association meeting has led to the NGA canceling its formal meeting with him and 18 Democratic governors boycotting a traditional White House dinner, unraveling a long-standing bipartisan gathering.
The annual National Governors Association (NGA) meeting, typically a rare bipartisan gathering, is in disarray after President Donald Trump's administration decided to invite only Republican governors to White House events. In response, the NGA announced it would no longer facilitate a formal meeting with Trump during the governors' Washington convention later this month, citing its mission to represent all 55 governors. Additionally, 18 Democratic governors declared they would boycott a traditional White House dinner, stating they would not attend if not all governors were invited to what have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican and NGA chair, confirmed the White House's intention to limit invitations to Republican governors for the Feb. 20 business meeting. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump's actions, asserting his discretion to invite whomever he wishes to the White House, calling it 'the people's house' and 'the president's home'.
