Trump Clashes With Governors at Annual White House Meeting

Partisan tensions rise as president tries to exclude some Democratic state leaders from gathering

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The annual bipartisan meeting of U.S. governors at the White House has become increasingly political during President Trump's second term, with the president initially trying to only invite Republican state leaders and criticizing those he excluded. The gathering, traditionally a forum for governors of both parties to discuss federalism and policy, has seen growing partisan divisions as Trump has singled out and threatened certain Democratic governors.

Why it matters

The politicization of the traditionally bipartisan National Governors Association meeting reflects the broader polarization in U.S. politics under the Trump administration. As more lawmakers eye governor's mansions, the annual gathering has become another arena for partisan clashes between the White House and Democratic-led states.

The details

In last year's meeting, President Trump singled out Maine's Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, warning he would cut off federal funding if she didn't comply with his executive order banning transgender athletes from school sports. Mills defiantly responded, "See you in court," launching a wave of lawsuits by blue states against the administration. This year, Trump initially tried to only invite Republican governors, drawing criticism from the NGA's Republican chair, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who said the president "got it WRONG." While Trump ultimately backed off, he still refused to allow the Democratic governors of Maryland and Colorado to attend.

  • The annual National Governors Association winter meeting takes place in Washington, D.C.
  • Last year's meeting in 2025 saw the clash between Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
  • This year's meeting is scheduled for February 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, currently serving his second term.

Janet Mills

The Democratic governor of Maine who challenged Trump's executive order in court last year.

Kevin Stitt

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

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, whom Trump refused to invite to the White House meeting.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado, also excluded from the White House meeting by Trump.

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What they’re saying

“See you in court.”

— Janet Mills, Governor of Maine (USA Today)

“As usual with him, Stitt got it WRONG!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“There's more that unites us as governors than divides us. We actually get along.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma (USA Today)

What’s next

The judge in the case between the Trump administration and Maine over the transgender athlete ban is expected to rule on the matter in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The politicization of the traditionally bipartisan National Governors Association meeting reflects the broader polarization in U.S. politics under the Trump administration, as the president continues to clash with Democratic-led states over policy issues.