Story perspectives

Trump Excludes Democratic Governors, Dinner Controversy Erupts

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump excluded Democratic governors Wes Moore (Md.) and Jared Polis (Colo.) from a White House dinner tied to the National Governors Association (NGA).
The National Governors Association said it would not facilitate the dinner unless all governors were invited.
Eighteen Democratic governors, including potential 2028 candidates, said they would boycott the event.
After negotiations, all governors are invited to the formal meeting, but the dinner remains contentious.

History

Historical Context

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter faced criticism for inviting only select governors to a White House event, straining relations within the National Governors Association (NGA), which promotes bipartisan cooperation among state leaders. This incident echoes current tensions, as the exclusion of Democratic governors Wes Moore and Jared Polis from a recent dinner highlights ongoing partisan divides that challenge effective governance.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump excluded Democratic governors Wes Moore (Md.) and Jared Polis (Colo.) from a White House dinner tied to the National Governors Association (NGA).
The National Governors Association said it would not facilitate the dinner unless all governors were invited.
Eighteen Democratic governors, including potential 2028 candidates, said they would boycott the event.
After negotiations, all governors are invited to the formal meeting, but the dinner remains contentious.

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