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Maryland Governor Wes Moore Responds to Reported Exclusion from White House Governors’ Dinner
Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore has publicly addressed reports that the Trump administration removed him from the guest list of the National Governors Association (NGA) dinner, a longstanding bipartisan event traditionally hosted by the sitting president.
Perceived Disrespect and the Weight of Exclusion
In a statement released Sunday, Governor Moore condemned the alleged uninvitation as a clear act of disrespect, emphasizing that it contradicts the collaborative spirit expected between state and federal officials. He highlighted the significance of this exclusion given his unique position as the only Black governor currently serving in the United States.
“Being singled out and excluded from this bipartisan tradition carries an additional significance — intentional or not — especially as the nation’s sole Black governor,” Moore remarked, as reported by WUSA9.
Ongoing Collaboration Despite the Snub
Moore expressed confusion over the decision, noting his recent cooperative efforts with the Trump administration on critical issues such as reducing energy expenses for residents. His role as vice chair of the NGA’s executive committee, which includes a bipartisan mix of governors, further underscores the puzzling nature of his exclusion. The committee is co-chaired by Oklahoma’s Republican Governor Kevin Stitt and comprises four Republicans and five Democrats.
Similar Exclusions and Broader Context
Reports indicate that Colorado Governor Jared Polis, also a Democrat, faced a similar uninvitation. However, the majority of Democratic governors, including several vocal critics of former President Trump, remained invited to the event. This selective exclusion has sparked debate about the administration’s approach to bipartisan engagement.
Criticism from Within the NGA
Brandon Tatum, CEO of the NGA, criticized the decision to exclude individual governors, warning that such actions undermine the association’s vital role as a conduit for cooperation between state governments and the federal administration.
“Removing governors from White House sessions diminishes a crucial platform for federal-state partnership,” Tatum stated.
The NGA’s Historical Role and Current Implications
Established in 1908 during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, the NGA has long served as a bipartisan forum where governors from across the nation convene to discuss policy and governance. The reported exclusion of Governor Moore and others challenges this tradition of inclusivity and cooperation.
Unanswered Questions from the White House
As of now, the White House has not provided an official explanation for the reported removal of Governor Moore and Governor Polis from the dinner guest list, leaving many to speculate on the motivations behind this unprecedented move.
