Trump vs. GOP Governors: Sparks Fly Ahead of White House Meeting

Trump Criticizes Republican NGA Leader

President Donald Trump publicly attacked Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Republican chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), calling him a “RINO” after Stitt suggested Trump might limit White House meeting invitations. The dispute escalates tensions ahead of the NGA’s annual gathering.

Trump claimed Stitt “incorrectly stated my position” on the exclusive Governors Annual Dinner and Business Meeting, sparking a heated social media exchange.

The Dispute Over Invitations

The controversy revolves around whether governors from both parties would be fully included in the White House events:

• Stitt initially said the White House planned to limit the business meeting invitations to Republicans, prompting outcry from Democrats.
• Democrats threatened to skip the dinner if not fully included.
• After a phone call and follow-up email with Trump, Stitt confirmed that all 55 governors and territories would be invited to the Friday, Feb. 20, business breakfast.

Stitt wrote, “President Donald Trump said this was always his intention, and we have addressed the misunderstanding in scheduling.”

Trump Doubles Down

Despite Stitt’s clarification, Trump took a more confrontational tone online:

• He called Stitt’s Monday letter “false.”
• He said invitations went to all governors except two Democrats he deemed “not worthy” — Maryland’s Wes Moore and Colorado’s Jared Polis.
• Trump added he looks forward to seeing Republican governors and “some of the Democrats” who were worthy, but suggested most would not attend.

NGA Stands By Timeline

Brandon Tatum, NGA chief executive, confirmed that only Republican governors had received invitations for the Friday business meeting as of Tuesday evening. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan dialogue, saying, “Continuing the tradition of the business meeting is an important step toward bridge building among parties.”

Democratic Governors’ Reactions

It remains unclear how many Democrats will attend:

• Gov. Gavin Newsom (California) said he does not plan to attend.
• Gov. Ned Lamont (Connecticut) indicated he would participate.

The White House defended Trump’s approach. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president has the “discretion to invite anyone he wants.”

Broader Implications

This spat highlights challenges for bipartisan organizations under Trump:

• Similar tensions occurred with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which wasn’t invited to the White House earlier this month.
• Last year, Trump singled out Maine Gov. Janet Mills for opposing a federal order on transgender athletes, threatening to withhold funding. Mills responded she’d see him in court and is now running for Senate on an anti-Trump platform.

The tension has long-term consequences, with some Democratic governors pausing their NGA membership dues after last year’s confrontations.