Trump Reverses Course, Invites All Governors to White House Meeting

National Governors Association says bipartisan tradition will continue after initial snub of Democrats

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After initially excluding Democratic governors from an annual White House meeting, President Donald Trump has reversed course and will now invite all 55 state and territorial governors to the event on February 20 during the National Governors Association's winter gathering in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The White House meeting between the president and governors has been a bipartisan tradition for decades, allowing for open dialogue and collaboration between state and federal leaders. Trump's initial decision to exclude Democrats sparked concerns about the politicization of the event and the potential for further divisions between the parties.

The details

Trump had told Democratic governors on Friday that they would not be invited to the meeting, prompting the National Governors Association to say the event would no longer be part of their official schedule. However, on Wednesday, NGA Chairman Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) informed governors that Trump would be inviting all of them to the White House on February 20 for the NGA's business breakfast.

  • On February 11, Trump initially told Democratic governors they would not be invited to the White House meeting.
  • On February 15, the National Governors Association said the White House meeting would no longer be part of their official schedule.
  • On February 16, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) told governors that Trump would be inviting all of them to the White House on February 20.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Kevin Stitt

The Republican Governor of Oklahoma and the current chairman of the National Governors Association.

Wes Moore

The Democratic Governor of Maryland.

Jared Polis

The Democratic Governor of Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, NGA Chairman (detroitnews.com)

“The bipartisan White House governors meeting is a valued tradition and an important opportunity to build bridges and hold constructive conversations. The NGA looks forward to continued collaboration between governors and the White House.”

— Brandon Tatum, CEO, National Governors Association (detroitnews.com)

What’s next

The National Governors Association's annual winter gathering is scheduled for February 19-21 in Washington, D.C., and all 55 state and territorial governors are expected to attend, including the Democratic governors who were initially excluded from the White House meeting.

The takeaway

This episode highlights the importance of maintaining bipartisan traditions and open dialogue between state and federal leaders, even in an increasingly polarized political climate. The reversal by President Trump to invite all governors to the White House meeting is a positive step towards restoring the collaborative spirit of the event.