WASHINGTON — The National Governors Association announced on Tuesday that it would withdraw from planned White House events scheduled for later this week, citing the exclusion of two Democratic governors from the invitations as a breach of bipartisan norms. According to a statement from the organization, the decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states over policy differences, particularly on immigration and federal funding.
The events, set to take place at the White House on Thursday and Friday, were intended to bring together governors from across the country to discuss key issues including trade, infrastructure, and disaster response. President Donald Trump had personally extended invitations to most governors, but notably left out New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, both Democrats whose states' attorneys general have filed lawsuits against the administration in recent months.
The exclusions appear linked to legal actions by New Mexico and Connecticut officials challenging the Trump administration's policies, including efforts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census and restrictions on sanctuary cities. A White House spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the invitations were selective to focus on 'governors committed to working with the president on national priorities,' but declined to elaborate on the specific reasons for barring Lujan Grisham and Lamont.
National Governors Association Chair Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, expressed disappointment in the move during a press conference in Annapolis on Monday. 'The NGA is a bipartisan organization dedicated to fostering cooperation between state leaders and the federal government,' Hogan said. 'Excluding governors based on political affiliation undermines that spirit and politicizes what should be a unifying forum.'
Hogan, who was elected NGA chair in July 2019, emphasized that the pullout was not a partisan statement but a necessary step to preserve the association's neutrality. The NGA, founded in 1908, represents all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, and has historically served as a bridge between governors and the executive branch regardless of party control.
Democratic governors were quick to voice support for the NGA's decision. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was invited but chose not to attend in solidarity, called the exclusions 'a blatant attempt to divide state leaders along party lines.' In a statement released Tuesday morning, Cuomo added, 'This administration's approach to governance is increasingly adversarial, and it's governors like Michelle and Ned who are standing up for their constituents against overreach.'
Lujan Grisham, speaking from Santa Fe, described the snub as 'petty and unproductive.' 'New Mexico has been at the forefront of protecting immigrant families and challenging unconstitutional policies,' she said in an interview with local media. 'But excluding us from the table doesn't solve problems; it exacerbates them. I'm grateful the NGA recognizes that bipartisanship is essential.'
Lamont echoed similar sentiments from Hartford. 'Connecticut is proud to defend our values in court, but we're always open to dialogue on shared challenges like economic development,' he told reporters. 'This exclusion sends the wrong message at a time when states need federal partnership more than ever.'
On the Republican side, some governors defended the White House's approach. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who confirmed his attendance, argued that the events should prioritize 'results-oriented discussions' without 'distractions from ongoing litigation.' Abbott, a close Trump ally, noted in a tweet that 'strong leadership means focusing on solutions, not lawsuits.'
The backdrop to this controversy includes a series of flashpoints between the Trump administration and Democratic governors since 2017. Early in Trump's term, several Democratic governors boycotted a White House summit on infrastructure in February 2017 over disagreements on funding priorities. More recently, disputes have centered on immigration enforcement, with at least 20 states, mostly Democratic-led, joining lawsuits against Trump policies such as the border wall funding diversion and family separation practices at the southern border.
According to data from the NGA's own reports, governors' offices have seen a 30% increase in federal-state conflicts since 2016, with litigation costs for states rising to over $500 million annually. Experts attribute this to polarized national politics spilling over into intergovernmental relations.
The pullout marks a rare instance of the NGA taking a firm stand against a presidential invitation. Historically, the organization has participated in White House events even during tense periods, such as the Nixon era's Watergate scandal or the Clinton impeachment proceedings. In a 2015 memo, former NGA Executive Director Raymond Scheppach wrote that 'maintaining access to the Oval Office is crucial, even when disagreements arise.'
White House officials, in response to the NGA's announcement, indicated that the events would proceed with the attending governors. Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham stated, 'The president looks forward to productive conversations with governors who share his vision for America's future. We're moving ahead as planned.'
As of Tuesday evening, at least 25 governors, predominantly Republicans, had confirmed attendance, including Florida's Ron DeSantis, Ohio's Mike DeWine, and Georgia's Brian Kemp. Several Democrats, including California's Gavin Newsom and Illinois' J.B. Pritzker, announced they would skip the events in protest, citing the exclusions as a 'red line' for cooperation.
The incident highlights broader strains in federalism under the Trump administration, where executive actions have frequently clashed with state authority. Political analysts suggest it could foreshadow challenges in implementing national policies, such as the upcoming 2020 census and disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Dorian's impacts in the Southeast.
Looking ahead, the NGA plans to host its own bipartisan summit in Washington next month, inviting all governors without White House involvement. Hogan indicated that the organization would continue advocating for state interests independently. 'We're not walking away from dialogue,' he said. 'We're just ensuring it's on equal terms.'
For the excluded governors, the episode underscores the risks of legal confrontations with the federal government. Lujan Grisham's office reported that New Mexico has three active lawsuits against the administration, including one over public land management. Similarly, Connecticut's disputes involve environmental regulations and healthcare funding.
As the political calendar intensifies toward the 2020 elections, this dust-up may serve as a microcosm of divided governance. With control of the White House and key states at stake, the ability of governors to navigate federal relationships will be tested further. For now, the NGA's stand reaffirms its role as a counterweight to partisan pressures, even as the White House events proceed without its full participation.
The Appleton Times will continue to monitor developments in Washington and their impacts on state policies across the Midwest and beyond.