GOVERNORS AND THE WHITE HOUSE: A TANGLE OF INVITATIONS

A routine gathering that usually brings together governors from every state has spiraled into confusion and partisan drama.

The Event

• Date: February 20
• Purpose: A bipartisan dinner and business breakfast for governors of all 55 states and territories.
• Traditional Theme: Building bridges across party lines.

Trump’s Claim

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had sent invitations to all governors except Democratic leaders Wes Moore (Maryland) and Jared Polis (Colorado). This assertion sparked immediate confusion.

National Governors Association (NGA) Response

• Brandon Tatum, NGA chief, confirmed the event would welcome governors from every state and territory.
• Kevin Stitt, NGA chair (Oklahoma), wrote that Trump had indeed invited all governors and described the president’s message as “very clear.”
• Stitt emphasized that any misunderstanding was already being addressed.

Escalating Tensions

1. Trump’s Rebuttal

   • Labeled Stitt a “RINO” and later a “wiseguy,” implying he was not truly Republican.
   • Claimed he had invited almost all Democratic governors to a separate dinner, distinct from the business meeting.

2. NGA’s Clarification

   • An NGA official later stated that the White House had only invited Republican governors to the February 20 business event.
   • Consequently, the NGA withdrew as organizer, saying it could no longer facilitate a bipartisan gathering.

3. Democratic Governors’ Stand

   • A coalition of Democratic governors announced they would not attend unless all governors were invited.
   • They issued a joint statement warning that exclusion would force their refusal of the invitation.

4. Stitt’s Spokesperson

   • Confirmed Stitt had received his own invitation and was awaiting others.

Current Status

The situation remains unresolved, leaving many governors uncertain about their participation in the upcoming White House gathering.