Full Breakdown
Wes Moore Responds to Trump's Exclusion from Governors' Dinner
2/17/2026, 10:07:28 PM
Background on the Exclusion
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the only Black governor currently serving in the United States, was notably excluded from an upcoming National Governors Association (NGA) dinner at the White House, alongside Colorado Governor Jared Polis. This decision was made public through a Truth Social post by former President Donald Trump, who claimed that both governors were "not worthy" of attending. The announcement sparked significant backlash, leading to a collective decision by 18 Democratic governors to boycott the event in solidarity with Moore and Polis.
Moore's Response to Trump's Remarks
In a CBS News town hall moderated by Norah O'Donnell, Moore addressed Trump's comments directly. He stated, “I do want to be clear to the president — respectfully, you do not determine my worthiness. God determines my worthiness. The people of Maryland determine my worthiness. They are who I answer to, not him.” Moore emphasized that if the purpose of the meeting was to engage in name-calling, he would not participate, asserting, “If the point of the meeting is that, nah, I’m good.”
Criticism of Trump's Actions
Moore's remarks were not limited to the dinner exclusion. He also commented on Trump's broader actions, particularly regarding race. When asked if he believed Trump was racist, Moore refrained from labeling him directly but noted, “I can tell you I know how his actions hit Black folks, and how they hit people of color.” He pointed to Trump's past social media posts, including a now-deleted video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama in a derogatory manner, as indicative of Trump's attitudes.
Implications for the Democratic Party
During the town hall, Moore urged the Democratic Party to adopt a more proactive approach in addressing voter concerns, stating, “The Democrats have got to stop being the party of no and slow and start being the party of yes and now.” He criticized the party's tendency to engage in lengthy analyses rather than taking immediate action on pressing issues, suggesting that this approach has contributed to declining approval ratings among Democratic leaders.
Official Statements and Responses
The White House defended Trump's decision to exclude Moore and Polis, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the president has the discretion to invite anyone he chooses to the White House. In response to the backlash, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, co-chair of the NGA, initially considered canceling the meeting but later confirmed that all governors would be invited, citing a scheduling misunderstanding.
What's Next
As the NGA meeting approaches, the fallout from Trump's exclusion of Moore and Polis continues to unfold. The Democratic governors' boycott reflects a growing discontent within the party regarding Trump's divisive tactics and the need for a unified front among Democratic leaders. Moore's responses and the actions of his fellow governors may shape the political landscape leading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will work with anyone. But I will bow down to no one. And I think the president has a problem with that.” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
- “if the point of the meeting is to turn it into name-calling … I will not go.” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
- “I think his actions probably give the answer before he even has a chance to answer it himself.” — Wes Moore, on Trump’s perceived racism
- “I do want to be clear to the president, respectfully: You do not determine my worthiness. God determines my worthiness. The people of Maryland determine my worthiness. They are who I answer to. Not him.” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
This ongoing conflict between Moore and Trump highlights the tensions within American politics, particularly as the Democratic Party seeks to redefine its strategy in response to Trump's influence.
