President Donald Trump said invitations to the annual National Governors Association dinner at the White House were sent to nearly every governor in the country, disputing claims that attendance was limited to Republicans and clarifying that only two governors were excluded: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
The RINO Governor of the Great State of Oklahoma, in which I won all 77 Counties, three times (The only person to do so!), incorrectly stated my position on the very exclusive Governors Annual Dinner and Meeting at the White House: “The White House intends to limit invitations to…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) February 11, 2026
In a statement addressing the guest list, Trump wrote, “The invitations were sent to ALL Governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there.” He added, “I look forward to seeing the Republican Governors, and some of the Democrat Governors who were worthy of being invited, but most of whom won’t show up.” Trump cited Moore and Polis as the exceptions, criticizing Moore for misrepresenting his military record and alleging failures in Baltimore governance, while he accused Polis of unfairly incarcerating a 73-year-old woman in solitary confinement related to alleged voter fraud.
The remarks followed comments from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt suggesting that the White House intended to limit invitations to Republican governors for the annual business meeting scheduled for February 20. Trump called that characterization false and emphasized that governors of both parties received invitations, with the exception of Moore and Polis.
The National Governors Association, established in 1908, represents the leaders of the nation’s 55 states, territories and commonwealths. Through bipartisan meetings, task forces and policy initiatives, the organization provides a forum for governors to collaborate on shared challenges and engage with federal officials. The annual winter meeting in Washington traditionally includes a White House dinner that underscores cooperation between state executives and the president.
Trump’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between the White House and certain Democratic governors, while also signaling an effort to maintain at least some bipartisan participation in the event. By asserting that invitations extended beyond party lines, Trump framed the gathering as open to governors he considers willing to engage constructively with his administration.
The dinner comes at a time when governors are playing a prominent role in shaping policy on infrastructure, energy, public safety and economic development. The NGA’s convenings are designed to facilitate dialogue across ideological divides, even as political disagreements continue to define the national landscape.
