Story perspectives

Contention Erupts as Governors Rally After Trump Exclusion

2/21/2026

Summary

Governors Rally After Exclusion

The National Governors Association winter meeting grew contentious after U.S. President Donald Trump excluded Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, and Jared Polis, governor of Colorado, from events.
Backlash prompted a last-minute invitation for all governors.
The National Governors Association declined to facilitate White House events because Moore and Polis were excluded.
Democratic governors, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, attended breakfast advocating for their states, while others skipped.

History

Historical Context

The National Governors Association (NGA), founded in 1908, faced significant tensions in 2017 as governors reacted to President Trump's policies, particularly the exclusion of certain Democratic governors. With 33 governors attending its winter meeting, this situation echoed past partisan conflicts, such as those in the 1980s, highlighting ongoing challenges in state-federal relations and the need for inclusivity in governance.

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Governors Rally After Exclusion

The National Governors Association winter meeting grew contentious after U.S. President Donald Trump excluded Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, and Jared Polis, governor of Colorado, from events.
Backlash prompted a last-minute invitation for all governors.
The National Governors Association declined to facilitate White House events because Moore and Polis were excluded.
Democratic governors, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, attended breakfast advocating for their states, while others skipped.

1 / 2