The National Governors Association (NGA) recently decided to skip an annual meeting at the White House. This decision came after President Trump chose not to invite two Democratic governors, spotlighting the growing divide in U.S. politics.
Trump’s decision to exclude Colorado’s Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland’s Gov. Wes Moore drew criticism. He described them as “not worthy of being there.” Despite this, Polis expressed his intention to connect with governors from both political parties while in Washington.
Polis stated, “I’ve spent quality time with my colleagues this morning, learning from one another.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration among state leaders, regardless of party lines.
This situation highlights Trump’s often confrontational approach towards Democratic leaders. In the past, he has threatened to cut federal funds or even deploy troops against their wishes. Trump’s presidency is frequently marked by a lack of unity, as noted by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox from Utah, who remarked, “He’s not putting his mind to it.”
Moore, who serves as the NGA’s vice chair, also addressed the escalating tensions. He said he didn’t want conflict with Trump but expressed concern over Trump’s focus on personal attacks. “I just feel bad for him because that has just got to be a really, really hard existence,” he remarked.
The rhetoric stands in stark contrast to the camaraderie many governors wish to foster. During the meeting, Oklahoma’s Gov. Kevin Stitt and Moore shared banter, trying to promote a sense of bipartisanship. This camaraderie was disrupted by Trump’s public criticism of Stitt, branding him a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only).
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan noted that excluding some governors was a “mistake.” He pointed out that while these meetings may not have resulted in significant achievements, they provided a valuable opportunity to foster relationships.
Many governors are vocal about their concerns over federal power expansion. They feel the Republican-led Congress should be more proactive in curbing Trump’s ambitions. Cox articulated this frustration, saying, “Congress needs to get their act together.”
Meanwhile, whispers of potential presidential bids for 2028 surfaced among the governors present. Both Moore and Pennsylvania’s Gov. Josh Shapiro were mentioned as potential candidates. Gov. Andy Beshear from Kentucky also hinted he might run, especially after announcing his upcoming book release.
Overall, this meeting reflected the challenges governors face as they try to balance state interests with the current political climate. They strive for cooperation amid a backdrop of partisan conflict, proving that work continues despite the political drama in Washington.
For more insights on the impact of politics on state governance, you can refer to credible sources like Pew Research Center.
