President Donald Trump sharply criticized several Democratic governors while defending his invitation list for the upcoming National Governors Association dinner at the White House, saying he extended invitations broadly despite deep political disagreements.
In a post addressing the annual gathering, Trump took aim at Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, using derisive nicknames while emphasizing that both were invited to attend. “I even invited the SLOB of a Governor, JB Pritzker, and horrendous California Governor, Gavin Newscum, to the Dinner, despite the terrible job that they are doing,” Trump wrote.
Trump: The RINO Governor of the Great State of Oklahoma, incorrectly stated my position on the very exclusive Governors Annual Dinner
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 11, 2026
The invitations were sent to ALL Governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there. I did not invite the Governor of Colorado,… pic.twitter.com/LvxEt6yrea
The president’s remarks came as he sought to rebut claims that invitations to the National Governors Association’s annual business meeting and dinner were limited to Republican governors. The NGA, founded in 1908, serves as a bipartisan forum where the nation’s governors collaborate on shared policy challenges and coordinate with federal leaders. Its annual winter meeting traditionally includes a White House event intended to strengthen federal-state relationships.
Trump stated that invitations were sent to governors of both parties, with only two exceptions, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. His comments framed the invitations to Pritzker and Newsom as evidence that partisan affiliation alone did not determine the guest list.
The NGA represents the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths and promotes bipartisan dialogue on issues ranging from infrastructure and energy to education and public safety. The annual dinner has long been viewed as a symbolic opportunity for governors and the president to engage outside of formal negotiations.
Trump’s criticism of Democratic-led states aligns with his broader political messaging, as he has frequently faulted leaders in Illinois and California over crime, economic management, and other policy matters. By highlighting that he invited governors he has publicly criticized, Trump underscored his claim that the event would not be restricted solely along party lines.
The dinner is scheduled as part of the NGA’s annual winter meeting in Washington, where governors convene to discuss shared priorities and coordinate with federal officials. Trump said he looks forward to seeing Republican governors and “some of the Democrat Governors who were worthy of being invited,” while suggesting that some may decline to attend.
The Trump-Newsom rivalry adds extra tension to the upcoming gathering. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been a vocal critic of the president, recently saying, “Donald Trump is a failed president. He’ll be briefly remembered, and only for chaos and incompetence — nothing more!”
Donald Trump is a failed president. He’ll be briefly remembered, and only for chaos and incompetence — nothing more!
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 7, 2026
The episode underscores ongoing concerns from some Democrats that Trump’s administration has eroded U.S. credibility abroad, a point Newsom emphasized with his direct critique. Betting markets also reflect the prominence of both figures, with Newsom’s chances of winning the presidency in 2028 at 19% and Vice President Vance slightly higher at 25%, illustrating continued national attention on their political roles.
