President Donald Trump has limited invitations to a traditional White House dinner during the National Governors Association winter gathering, scheduled in Washington, D.C., from February 19 to 21. The decision excludes Democratic governors, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Polis, the only out gay governor, and Moore, the nation’s only Black governor and NGA vice chair, were left off the guest list. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, saying Trump has “discretion to invite anyone he wants to the White House….It’s the people’s house. It’s also the president’s home, so he can invite whomever he wants to dinners and events here at the White House.” A spokesperson for Polis told The Advocate: “Governor Polis and other Governors are focused on delivering results for our states, not playing games.
Governor Polis does welcome recommendations for popular local restaurants now that he and other Democratic Governors may have a free evening to explore the best DC has to offer.” In response to this limitd invitations, the National Governors Association said it will no longer hold the formal meeting with Trump. Eighteen Democratic governors also announced a boycott of the dinner.
