Vermont Gov. Scott to Meet with Trump, But Only if Event is Bipartisan

Scott initially declined to attend the National Governors Association conference, but will go if all members are invited.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Vermont Governor Phil Scott announced he will attend the National Governors Association conference in Washington, D.C. this week and meet with President Donald Trump, but only if the event is truly bipartisan and all governors, regardless of party, are invited. Last week, Scott said he would not attend the conference if only Republican governors were invited, breaking from the historically bipartisan tradition of the event.

Why it matters

Governor Scott's stance highlights the ongoing partisan divisions in U.S. politics, even at the state level, and the challenges of maintaining bipartisanship. As one of the few Republican governors willing to publicly disagree with Trump, Scott's decision could influence how other state leaders navigate national political events.

The details

After initially saying he would not attend the National Governors Association conference if only Republican governors were invited, Scott reversed course and said he would go if the event was open to all members. However, Scott's office later said it was still unclear if he would attend, as there had been "a lot of back and forth" regarding the guest list. Ultimately, Scott's office confirmed he would attend the conference and meet with Trump, but only if the event remained bipartisan.

  • The National Governors Association conference is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday this week.
  • The dinner with President Trump is set to take place on Friday.

The players

Phil Scott

The Republican governor of Vermont who is known for occasionally breaking with his party and maintaining a bipartisan approach.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is scheduled to meet with the governors at the National Governors Association conference.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who was reportedly excluded from the initial invitation to the National Governors Association conference, according to a post by former President Trump.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado who was reportedly excluded from the initial invitation to the National Governors Association conference, according to a post by former President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“This was a decision he made after the meeting invitation was extended to all Governors, which is long-standing tradition of the NGA winter meeting, and he's attended under both President Trump in his first term as well as President Biden.”

— Amanda Wheeler, Press Secretary for Governor Phil Scott (VTDigger)

“Vermonters know Governor Scott and know exactly where he stands in terms of his support of the President which has not changed.”

— Amanda Wheeler, Press Secretary for Governor Phil Scott (VTDigger)

What’s next

The National Governors Association conference is scheduled to take place from Thursday through Saturday this week, with the dinner at the White House with President Trump scheduled for Friday.

The takeaway

Governor Scott's insistence on a bipartisan event reflects his commitment to maintaining a cooperative, non-partisan approach to governing, even in the face of increasing political polarization. His stance could influence how other state leaders navigate national political events and set an example for bridging divides.