Trump excludes Democratic governors from NGA White House meeting, breaking 88-year tradition

The Trump White House announced in early February 2026 that it would invite only Republican governors to the annual National Governors Association meeting at the White House, breaking a bipartisan tradition dating to 1938. The NGA responded by canceling its formal meeting with the White House entirely. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis were specifically excluded; Moore, the nation's only Black governor and NGA vice chair, noted the exclusion carried added weight. Eighteen Democratic governors announced a boycott of the White House dinner.