Later this month, President Donald Trump is hosting an annual meeting with governors at the White House, but he will not invite any Democrats, only Republicans, breaking a long-standing tradition.The meeting, part of the National Governors Association winter gathering, will only include Republican governors, a spokesperson for the organization confirmed to ABC News."The bipartisan White House governors meeting is an important tradition, and we are disappointed in the administration’s decision to make it a partisan occasion this year.To disinvite individual governors to the White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration," Brandon Tatum, acting Executive Director and CEO of the National Governors Association, said in a statement to ABC News.Trump is still planning to hold a separate, bipartisan dinner for governors and their spouses at the White House as part of the NGA activities.
But Trump did not give invites to two Democrats: Maryland Gov.Wes Moore and Colorado Gov.
Jared Polis.President Donald Trump waves to the media as he walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival to the White House, Feb.9, 2026, in Washington.Jose Luis Magana/APIt’s unclear why Trump did not invite Polis and Moore to the dinner.
Moore also serves as the vice chair of the NGA."This is a disappointing decision for a traditionally bipartisan event between Governors and whomever occupies the White House," Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Polis, said to ABC News in a statement.A source close to Polis said the governor was not given a reason for not being invited.Over the past few months, Trump has put pressure on Polis to release Tina Peters from prison following her receiving a presidential pardon.
Peters was convicted on state charges for a scheme to tamper with voting systems driven by false claims about the 2020 election.Trump’s pardon power does not extend to state crimes.Maryland Gov.
Wes Moore speaks during a press conference announcing the...