Recently, the National Governors Association (NGA) decided not to participate in an annual meeting at the White House. This came after President Donald Trump did not invite two Democratic governors, Jared Polis from Colorado and Wes Moore from Maryland. The NGA, which has been helping state leaders collaborate for over a century, found this move surprising and disappointing.
Despite the absence of the NGA’s support, Trump is still set to meet with governors, but the atmosphere has shifted noticeably. In social media posts, he labeled the two Democratic governors as “not worthy,” highlighting his ongoing confrontational style. This kind of behavior is not new; in his second term, Trump has often clashed with state leaders who oppose him.
Polis noted, “I can’t get into his head,” but he did emphasize the importance of learning from all governors, regardless of their political affiliation. He mentioned that these meetings focus on sharing best practices for the benefit of their states.
The situation shows how political tensions have transformed gatherings that were once seen as bipartisan. For instance, Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah remarked that Trump’s approach is not aimed at bringing people together. He said, “He’s said very clearly that that’s not who he is.”
Moore expressed that he doesn’t want to engage in conflict with the president. He quipped that the constant tweets from Trump must be taxing for him, saying, “I just pray for him.” This sentiment reflects how some governors aim to rise above partisan divisions.
Despite the setbacks, some governors, like Moore and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, who chairs the NGA, tried to project unity through humor and camaraderie at their conference events. Stitt praised Moore for his dedication to Maryland, revealing an attempt to maintain a collaborative spirit even in a polarized environment.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who sometimes disagreed with Trump, criticized the decision not to include all governors. He stated that meeting annually is vital for fostering dialogue, even if disagreements remain. “It can’t hurt to be in the same room together,” he added.
Amid this backdrop, governors voiced concerns about the growing power of the presidency and the lack of pushback from Congress. Cox asserted that “it is up to the states to hold the line,” indicating a desire for state leaders to act as checks on federal authority. This theme highlights an ongoing struggle between state and federal powers that has existed throughout U.S. history.
As the governors gathered, discussions inevitably turned towards speculation about potential 2028 presidential candidates. With many states having influential leaders, the interest was palpable. Moore and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania were among those mentioned, while Andy Beshear from Kentucky hinted he might run, recently announcing a book release that could position him for a campaign.
The complexities of modern governance and the wide-ranging political landscape have made gatherings like these crucial, yet increasingly contentious. As friendships and alliances are tested, the question remains: can state leaders find common ground in an era of division?
For further insights on the evolving relationship between governors and the federal government, you might explore reports from the National Governors Association [here](https://www.nga.org). This perspective allows us to understand how the dynamics of leadership continue to shape policies and governance across the nation.
