The National Governors Association has canceled its traditional meeting with President Trump after the White House decided to invite only Republican governors to the February 20 gathering, breaking decades of bipartisan protocol.

NGA Withdraws Official Support

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the Republican chairman of the NGA, informed fellow governors that his organization would no longer facilitate the White House meeting. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Stitt explained that NGA staff learned the administration planned to limit invitations to Republican governors only. The association represents all 55 governors across party lines, making the partisan restriction incompatible with its mission of bipartisan leadership.

NGA Chief Executive Brandon Tatum expressed disappointment with the administration’s decision, calling the White House meeting an important tradition. The governors’ association represents one of the few remaining venues where Republican and Democratic leaders gather to address shared challenges facing their states. The scheduled NGA meeting in Washington will continue from February 19 to 21, but without the official White House component.

Call for Unity Despite Division

Despite the setback, Chairman Stitt urged governors to maintain their collaborative approach. He wrote that governors cannot allow divisive actions to achieve their goal of creating division among state leaders. Stitt emphasized that the solution involves rising above partisan politics while remaining focused on serving constituents. He highlighted that American governors have historically provided pragmatic leadership, especially when Washington becomes distracted by political maneuvering.

Previous Tensions and Implications

The decision follows partisan tensions that emerged during last year’s White House meeting. President Trump engaged in heated exchanges with then-Maine Governor Janet Mills over transgender sports policies, threatening federal funding cuts if the Democratic governor refused compliance. Mills responded by promising legal challenges, while Trump predicted political consequences for her opposition. This latest development signals a further erosion of bipartisan cooperation in federal-state relations, potentially impacting future collaborative efforts on issues affecting all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.