Several Democratic governors plan to skip a White House dinner during the National Governors Association winter meeting. They made the decision after the administration did not invite some of their colleagues.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker confirmed he will not attend. He stood with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who did not receive invitations. Pritzker criticized President Donald Trump and urged Republican governors to join the boycott.
Support Builds Among Democrats
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, is leading the boycott. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the group’s vice chair, also backed the move.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joined them. In total, 18 governors signed a statement accusing the administration of creating division.
Governors from both parties usually attend White House events during the NGA winter meeting. This year, the White House did not invite every Democratic governor. Officials said they invited some Democrats but not others.
White House Pushes Back
The dispute follows last year’s public clash between Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills. They argued over transgender sports policies during a bipartisan session. The exchange drew national attention.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president’s decision. She said the White House serves as both a public building and the president’s home. Because of that, she said, he can choose his guests.
Leavitt also pointed out that Moore received an invitation last year but did not attend. She added that invited governors can accept or decline as they wish.
Moore Raises Questions
During a television interview, Moore suggested race may have played a role in his exclusion. He noted that he is the nation’s only Black governor. He also mentioned a recent White House visit with other governors.
Brandon Tatum, CEO of the National Governors Association, expressed disappointment with the situation.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican and current NGA chair, told fellow governors that the group will no longer organize the White House portion of the event. He stressed that the NGA represents leaders from all states and U.S. territories.
The disagreement adds fresh tension to what has long been a bipartisan tradition.
