Story perspectives

Trump Excludes Democratic Governors; Boycott Threat Ensues

2/12/2026

Summary

Trump Excludes Governors

President Donald Trump excluded Wes Moore (D-Md.) and Jared Polis (D-Colo.) from an upcoming National Governors Association event at the White House.
Eighteen Democratic governors announced they would boycott the dinner unless all governors were invited.
President Donald Trump defended his decision, calling the two governors "not worthy" of attending.
Governor Kevin Stitt (R-Okla.), NGA chair, later confirmed that all governors would be invited after discussions with the White House.

Summary

Trump Celebrates Coal

U.S. President Donald Trump received the Washington Coal Club's award at the White House.
Trump praised coal miners and claimed to have ended the "war on coal."
Critics questioned the award's credibility, noting it came from a pro-coal group.
He attributed bruising on his hands to frequent handshaking and aspirin use.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer disputed the Penn Station renaming claim.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, tensions arose at the National Governors Association when President Donald Trump excluded certain Democratic governors from a White House event, reflecting the deepening partisan divide in U.S. politics. This exclusion echoed conflicts from the Obama administration and the 1994 government shutdown led by Newt Gingrich, highlighting a trend of increasing polarization that threatens collaborative governance among states.

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Trump Excludes Governors

President Donald Trump excluded Wes Moore (D-Md.) and Jared Polis (D-Colo.) from an upcoming National Governors Association event at the White House.
Eighteen Democratic governors announced they would boycott the dinner unless all governors were invited.
President Donald Trump defended his decision, calling the two governors "not worthy" of attending.
Governor Kevin Stitt (R-Okla.), NGA chair, later confirmed that all governors would be invited after discussions with the White House.

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