White House Excluding Democrats from Annual Governors Meeting

Break from decades-long bipartisan tradition

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The White House has decided to only invite Republican governors to an upcoming meeting around the National Governors Association weekend, breaking from the event's traditional bipartisan format. The NGA's acting executive director expressed disappointment in the administration's decision, stating it undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration.

Why it matters

The annual White House meeting with governors has historically been a bipartisan event, bringing together leaders from both parties to discuss important issues. By excluding Democratic governors, the White House is making the gathering a partisan affair, which could further divide political lines and hinder productive discussions between state and federal officials.

The details

Governors' offices were informed on Friday that the upcoming White House meeting around the National Governors Association weekend will only include Republican governors. This marks a departure from the meeting's previous bipartisan format, where both Democratic and Republican state leaders have traditionally been invited.

  • The White House meeting is scheduled to take place around the upcoming National Governors Association weekend.

The players

Brandon Tatum

The acting executive director and CEO of the National Governors Association, who expressed disappointment in the White House's decision to make the meeting a partisan event.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who is reported to have spoken to reporters at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday in Palm Beach, Florida.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The bipartisan White House governors meeting is an important tradition, and we are disappointed in the administration's decision to make it a partisan occasion this year.”

— Brandon Tatum, Acting Executive Director and CEO, National Governors Association

“At this moment in our nation's history, it is critical that institutions continue to stand for unity, dignity, and constructive engagement. Traditionally the White House has played a role in fostering these moments during NGA's annual meeting. This year, they will not.”

— Brandon Tatum, Acting Executive Director and CEO, National Governors Association

What’s next

The National Governors Association is expected to hold its annual meeting in the coming weeks, where the White House's decision to exclude Democratic governors from the traditional bipartisan meeting will likely be a topic of discussion.

The takeaway

The White House's decision to make the annual governors meeting a partisan event is a concerning break from tradition and could further divide political lines, hindering productive collaboration between state and federal leaders at a critical time for the country.