Trump excludes Democratic governors from National Governors Association meeting

NGA Chairman Kevin Stitt (R-OK) told governors in a Monday letter that "the White House intends to limit invitations to the annual business meeting, scheduled for February 20, to Republican governors only."

Because "NGA's mission is to represent all 55 governors," Stitt wrote, "the Association is no longer serving as the facilitator for that event, and it is no longer included in our official program."

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 18 Democratic governors announced they would boycott a separate White House dinner for governors and spouses after reports that Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis were not invited.

Gov. Wes Moore, the nation's only Black governor and NGA vice chair, said "it's hard not to see this decision as another example of blatant disrespect" and added "as the nation's only Black governor, I can't ignore that being singled out carries an added weight."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump's decision on Tuesday, saying "It's the People's House. It's also the president's home, and he can invite whomever he wants to dinners and events here at the White House."

The NGA winter meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19-21 in Washington. It's one of the few remaining venues where political leaders from both major parties gather to discuss top issues facing their communities.

Signs of partisan tensions emerged at last year's White House meeting when Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills traded barbs over transgender athlete policies

Trump predicted opposing the order would end Mills's political career

She's now running for U.S Senate.