• Trump excludes Democratic governors from the upcoming National Governors Association meeting.
• The National Governors Association cancels its formal meeting scheduled for February.
• Democratic governors express disappointment, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan collaboration.
• At least 18 Democratic governors are boycotting related White House events.
• White House states it is within the president's discretion to invite attendees.

The National Governors Association (NGA) has decided to cancel its upcoming formal meeting with President Trump, scheduled for February 20, due to his decision to exclude Democratic governors from White House events. This year’s annual gathering has seen a traditional bipartisan event unravel amidst accusations that the White House is favoring Republican governors only, according to Reuters and India Times.

The exclusion of Democratic governors is seen as a significant departure from the NGA's historical bipartisanship, with the organization's leadership, including Republican chair Kevin Stitt and Democratic vice chair Wes Moore, voicing their concerns. Stitt emphasized that “to disinvite individual governors to the White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration,” reinforcing the group’s commitment to unity and constructive governance, as noted by Los Angeles Times and CBS News.

As a result of this decision, at least 18 Democratic governors have announced they will boycott a traditional White House dinner that typically accompanies the NGA meetings. They expressed their disappointment in a joint statement, emphasizing their commitment to bipartisan collaboration, which they feel is not reciprocated by the Trump administration, highlighted by statements from the group via the India Times.

The situation has led to a broader conversation about the implications for cooperation among state leaders; with past meetings often serving as vital platforms for discussing significant issues transcending party lines. Brandon Tatum, CEO of the NGA, noted the importance of these gatherings, lamenting the shift towards partisanship under the current administration, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.