By Jasper Ward
The governors will skip Trump’s meeting after the White House invites only Republicans, sources sayWASHINGTON, — The National Governors Association has canceled a meeting with US President Donald Trump later this month after the White House excluded Democratic governors, Chairman Kevin Stitt told members on Monday, a source familiar with the matter said.
The governors of the United States gather in Washington each year for the NGA meeting. It is traditional for the president to attend a session with Cabinet secretaries and other officials at the White House, and a black-tie dinner for governors and their spouses.
“Isolating individual governors in White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state cooperation,” Brandon Tatum, CEO of the bipartisan association that represents U.S. governors, said in a statement.
“At this moment in our nation’s history, it is important that institutions continue to stand for unity, dignity and constructive engagement.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The White House meeting, which was scheduled for February 20, was supposed to be part of the association’s annual winter gathering. The association’s leadership consists of nine members, including Republican Stitt and Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who serves as vice chairman.
The New York Times reported last week that Trump still plans a separate, bipartisan dinner for governors and their spouses at the White House.
However, according to the newspaper, Trump personally blocked invitations for Moore and Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who is also a member of the association.
“The National Governors Association has a long tradition of bipartisan gatherings to trade best practices and ideas regardless of party affiliation. That’s what Americans expect and deserve, and unfortunately, the White House doesn’t feel the same way,” said David Turner, Moore’s spokesman.
A police spokesperson did not immediately respond when reached for comment.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without text modification
