After Dispute Over Invitations, Trump Opens White House Governors Event to Both Parties

President Trump agreed to include governors of all political affiliations at next week’s annual White House gathering following criticism and the National Governors Association’s withdrawal from planning.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

President Donald Trump on Wednesday agreed to invite all U.S. governors to next week’s annual White House meeting, reversing an earlier decision that excluded Democratic governors and drew public criticism.

The shift followed a phone call earlier in the day between Trump and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican who chairs the National Governors Association. It also came after the NGA withdrew from organizing the event in response to the exclusion, as previously reported when the association backed out of planning.

“We’re pleased the president will welcome governors from all 55 states and territories to the White House,” NGA CEO Brandon Tatum said in a statement obtained by USA Today. “The bipartisan White House governors meeting is a valued tradition and an important opportunity to build bridges and hold constructive conversations. The NGA looks forward to continued collaboration between governors and the White House.”

The annual gathering is scheduled as part of a three-day summit in Washington, D.C., set to run from Feb. 19 through Feb. 21. The White House meeting and a formal dinner are planned for Feb. 20.

Earlier reports indicated that Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis were not included on the initial dinner invitation list, prompting criticism and calls for a boycott from some Democratic governors.

It remains unclear whether Democratic governors who had signaled plans to skip the White House dinner will reverse that decision following the president’s announcement. It is also not yet confirmed whether Moore and Polis are now included among the dinner invitees.

The White House has not released additional details about the revised invitation list, but the inclusion of governors from both parties restores the bipartisan structure traditionally associated with the annual event.