The National Governors Association (NGA) planned to host its annual meeting for 50 state leaders, including both Democrats and Republicans, at the White House on 20/2.

This traditional event has taken place for decades, with the president welcoming governors to the White House for meetings with cabinet secretaries and other officials, followed by a formal dinner for the governors and their spouses.

Last week, the NGA announced it would cancel the meeting because President Donald Trump had not invited Democratic governors. Following backlash from governors, Trump changed his mind. NGA Chairman Kevin Stitt sent an email on 11/2 stating that President Trump would invite all state leaders to the meeting.

"The president made it clear to me that this is an NGA event and he looks forward to welcoming you and hearing from governors across the country," said Stitt, who is the Republican Governor of Oklahoma. "President Trump said this was always his intention, and we have resolved the scheduling misunderstanding."

However, after the NGA Chairman's email, Trump posted on social media, claiming Stitt had "misrepresented my views" on the meeting with governors. The US President announced he would invite everyone except Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, both of whom are Democrats.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (left) and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Photo: AP

Trump accused Moore of "terrible incompetence" in rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed in 2024 after being struck by a container ship. The former White House leader described Moore as "foul-mouthed," accusing the governor of allowing Baltimore to "continue to be a crime disaster."

Trump's reason for not inviting Governor Polis related to the official's refusal to sign an order releasing Tina Peters from jail. Peters, a former county clerk in Colorado and an ally of Trump, is serving a 9-year prison sentence after a state court convicted her of illegally interfering with voting machines during the 2020 presidential election.

"Invitations were sent to all governors, including Democrats, except two whom I deem unworthy to be there. I even invited 'sloppy' Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois and 'terrible' Governor Gavin "Newscum" of California to dinner, despite their poor performance. As usual, Stitt got it wrong," Trump stated, using a derogatory term for Governor Gavin Newsom.

The White House, along with Governors Moore and Polis, have not yet commented on the matter.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, USA Today)