Trump Excludes Two Dem Governors From Annual Event At White House
President Donald J. Trump, now serving his second term as President of the United States, welcomed governors from across the country to the White House this week for the annual National Governors Association gathering — but made clear that not every state executive earned a seat at the table.
While the event traditionally brings together leaders from both parties for policy discussions and a formal dinner, two Democratic governors — Wes Moore of Maryland and Jared Polis of Colorado — were deliberately excluded from this year’s invitation list.
After days of speculation, President Trump addressed the matter directly on Truth Social, firmly rejecting claims that the administration intended to limit attendance to Republicans only. He also corrected remarks made by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
The President wrote:
The RINO Governor of the Great State of Oklahoma, in which I won all 77 Counties, three times (The only person to do so!), incorrectly stated my position on the very exclusive Governors Annual Dinner and Meeting at the White House: “The White House intends to limit invitations to the annual business meeting, scheduled for February 20th, to Republican Governors only.” That is false! The invitations were sent to ALL Governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there.
I did not invite the Governor of Colorado, who has unfairly incarcerated in solitary confinement a 73-year-old cancer stricken woman (A nine year term!), for attempting to fight Democrat Voter Fraud, plus the foul mouthed Governor of Maryland, who fraudulently stated that he received Military medals, A LIE, is doing a terrible job on the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and has allowed Baltimore to continue to be a Crime Disaster. I even invited the SLOB of a Governor, JB Pritzker, and horrendous California Governor, Gavin Newscum, to the Dinner, despite the terrible job that they are doing.
So, as usual with him, Stitt got it WRONG! The Invitations were sent out to all other Governors, Democrat and Republican. I look forward to seeing the Republican Governors, and some of the Democrats Governors who were worthy of being invited, but most of whom won’t show up.
The President’s message underscored his view that the White House remains open to bipartisan engagement — but not without standards.
Governor Stitt later clarified that the matter had been resolved, noting that President Trump had always intended the event to include governors from both parties.
“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 Trump said this was always his intention, and we have addressed the misunderstanding in scheduling,” he said.
President Trump offered specific justifications for the decision.
In the case of Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the controversy stems from allegations that Moore embellished his military record on a 2006 White House fellowship application. Moore has characterized the discrepancy as an “honest mistake.” He later received a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan. The President also criticized Moore’s leadership record in Maryland, pointing to crime in Baltimore and concerns over the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
As for Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the dispute centers on Tina Peters, a former Colorado county election clerk serving a nine-year sentence on state charges tied to unauthorized access to voting machines. President Trump has publicly urged Polis to grant clemency, arguing that Peters’ punishment is excessive given her stated intent to address concerns about election integrity. Polis has declined to intervene, a decision that factored into the White House’s decision not to extend an invitation.
Governor Moore described the exclusion as “another example of blatant disrespect and a snub to the spirit of bipartisan federal-state partnership.”
Polis’ office issued a statement saying that “no matter what events Colorado is or isn’t invited to, Governor Polis will continue to focus on working with his fellow governors and anyone who wants to help make people’s lives better.”
In a separate development, Carrie Prejean Boller was removed from the White House Religious Liberty Commission following a contentious hearing regarding Israel’s war against Gaza. Prejean Boller, the former Miss California USA 2009 and Miss USA 2009 runner-up, had drawn criticism after wearing a Palestinian flag pin, defending right-wing podcaster Candace Owens, and urging commissioners to formally condemn Israel’s actions.
Commission chairman Dan Patrick announced her removal following the hearing, according to Raw Story.
The week’s events reflect President Trump’s continued willingness to challenge political norms while asserting executive authority — even in settings traditionally viewed as ceremonial. For supporters, it is another example of a President who governs unapologetically and prioritizes accountability over political courtesy.