Trump Attacks Oklahoma GOP Leader Ahead of Governors' Meeting

Tensions rise between White House and bipartisan group of state leaders over invitations to annual event.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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President Donald Trump has escalated a feud with the National Governors Association chair, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, over who gets invited to White House events for the group's annual meeting next week. Trump attacked Stitt on social media, calling him a 'RINO' (Republican in Name Only) and claiming Stitt 'incorrectly stated' Trump's position on invitations. The dispute centers on whether Trump would allow governors from both major parties to participate in the full range of White House events, which typically includes a business meeting and meal.

Why it matters

The spat is a reminder of the challenge facing bipartisan or nonpartisan organizations in Trump's Washington, as the president has shown a tendency to single out and attack political opponents, even among members of his own party. The governor's meeting, typically a low-key event, took a sharper edge last year when Trump returned to the White House and threatened to withhold federal funding from a Democratic governor who opposed one of his policies.

The details

In a letter to fellow governors on Monday, Stitt said the NGA was informed that the White House planned to limit invitations to the business meeting to Republicans. That prompted an outcry from Democrats, who said they wouldn't participate in the meal if they weren't fully included at the business meeting. By Wednesday, Stitt connected with Trump on the phone and followed up with an email to fellow governors, saying Trump was inviting all governors to the business breakfast. However, Trump struck a more adversarial tone in a social media post, calling Stitt's Monday letter 'false' and saying the invitations were sent to all governors 'other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there' - referring to Democratic Govs. Wes Moore of Maryland and Jared Polis of Colorado.

  • The National Governors Association's annual meeting is scheduled for next week.
  • On Monday, Feb. 17, 2026, Stitt sent a letter to fellow governors about the White House's plans to limit invitations.
  • On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2026, Stitt connected with Trump and sent an email to governors saying Trump was inviting all of them to the business breakfast.

The players

Donald Trump

The 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.

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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)

What’s next

The National Governors Association's annual meeting is scheduled for next week, where the group will meet with President Trump at the White House.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and bipartisan organizations, as the president has shown a willingness to single out and attack political opponents, even within his own party. The governor's meeting, typically a low-key event, has taken on a sharper edge under Trump's presidency.