National Governors Association cancels meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump Chairman Kevin Stitt told lawmakers on Monday after the White House ruled out Democratic governors later this month, Reuters reported, citing sources.Governors from across the United States gather in Washington each year for the NGA conference. Traditionally, the president hosts governors at the White House, holds meetings with Cabinet secretaries and other officials, and hosts formal dinners for governors and their spouses.The White House meeting, scheduled for Feb. 20, was part of the association’s annual winter gathering. The association’s leadership consists of nine members, including Stitt, a Republican, and Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who serves as vice chairman.“Canceling individual governors’ participation in White House meetings undermines important opportunities for federal-state collaboration,” Brandon Tatum, CEO of the bipartisan association representing the nation’s governors, said in a statement. “At this moment in our nation’s history, it is critical that institutions continue to stand for unity, dignity and constructive engagement.”The New York Times reported last week that Trump still plans to hold a separate bipartisan dinner at the White House for governors and their spouses. However, Trump personally blocked invitations from Moore and Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who is also a member of the association, the newspaper reported.“The National Governors Association has a long tradition of bipartisan gatherings to exchange best practices and ideas regardless of party affiliation,” said David Turner, a spokesman for Moore. “This is what Americans expect and deserve, but unfortunately, the White House does not seem to think so.”
