Trump Clashes With GOP Governor Over White House Meeting Invitations

Dispute centers on whether Democrats would be included in annual White House event for governors

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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President Donald Trump attacked Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Republican chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), over claims that the White House planned to limit invitations to the NGA's annual business meeting at the White House to only Republican governors. Stitt said the White House initially informed the NGA that Democrats would be excluded, prompting an outcry, but Trump later claimed he had always intended to invite all governors.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the partisan tensions that have crept into traditionally bipartisan events for state leaders, as Trump has shown a willingness to exclude Democrats from White House meetings. This could further strain relations between the White House and the NGA, which represents governors from both parties.

The details

The disagreement centers on the White House's plans for the NGA's annual business meeting and meal, which typically includes governors from both parties. Stitt said the White House initially informed the NGA that only Republican governors would be invited to the business meeting, prompting an outcry from Democrats who threatened to boycott the meal if they were excluded. Trump later claimed Stitt had "incorrectly stated" his position, saying he had always intended to invite all governors, except for two he felt were "not worthy." The White House press secretary said Trump has "discretion to invite anyone he wants to the White House."

  • On Monday, Stitt sent a letter to fellow governors informing them the White House planned to limit invitations to the business meeting to Republicans.
  • On Wednesday, Stitt connected with Trump on the phone and followed up with an email saying Trump was inviting all governors to the business meeting.
  • The NGA's annual meeting is scheduled for next week, on February 20.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States.

Kevin Stitt

The Republican governor of Oklahoma and chair of the National Governors Association.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California.

Ned Lamont

The Democratic governor of Connecticut.

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What they’re saying

“The invitations were sent to ALL Governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there.”

— Donald Trump (Social media post)

“I am writing to inform you that President Donald J. Trump is inviting all governors of the 55 States and territories to the Friday, Feb. 20 NGA Business Breakfast at 8:30am est. He was very clear in his communications with me that this is a National Governors Association's event, and he looks forward to hosting you and hearing from governors across the country. President Donald Trump said this was always his intention, and we have addressed the misunderstanding in scheduling.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma (Email to fellow governors)

“As of Tuesday evening, only Republican Governors received invites from the White House for the Friday morning business meeting. We are hopeful that we can have constructive bipartisan dialogue with the President during the session. Continuing the tradition of the business meeting is an important step toward bridge building among parties.”

— Brandon Tatum, Chief Executive, National Governors Association (Statement)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how many Democratic governors will attend the White House meeting next week, as some have signaled they may boycott if their party is excluded.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the growing partisan divide in Washington, even at traditionally bipartisan events for state leaders. It underscores the challenge facing organizations like the NGA in maintaining constructive dialogue across party lines under the Trump administration.