Trump to meet with governors 9:30am ET Friday

Trump to meet with governors 9:30am ET Friday

Trump to Meet With Governors Amid Partisan Tensions and Federal Funding Concerns

President Donald Trump is set to meet with state governors at the White House at 9:30 a.m. ET on Friday, February 20, 2026, following a contentious dispute over invitations to the event. The National Governors Association (NGA) initially withdrew from facilitating the meeting after Trump excluded Democratic governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland, citing disagreements with their policies. However, the NGA confirmed Wednesday that all 55 governors and territorial leaders would now receive invitations to the business breakfast, with White House officials attributing the earlier exclusion to a "misunderstanding in scheduling".

The episode highlights escalating tensions between the Trump administration and state leaders, particularly over federal funding and executive authority. Trump has previously threatened to withhold federal funds or deploy federal troops to states that defy his policies, a tactic critics argue undermines state autonomy. Republican governors, including Spencer Cox of Utah, have criticized the administration's expansion of executive power, urging Congress to rein in Trump's actions.

While the NGA meeting has resumed, partisan divisions persist. Trump continued to attack Polis and Moore on social media, accusing them of mismanaging state affairs. Moore, the NGA's vice chair, emphasized his focus on governance over conflict, stating he has "no desire to have beef with the president" according to the Times Call. Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma—NGA chair—sought to mediate the dispute but faced Trump's rebuke as a "RINO" for perceived missteps in conveying the president's stance.

Financial implications of the standoff remain unclear, though governors have signaled concerns about federal overreach in state budgets and programs. Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, called the exclusion of Democratic leaders a "mistake", stressing that bipartisan dialogue—even in contentious times—serves mutual interests. As the meeting proceeds, observers will watch for signs of collaboration or further friction, with states increasingly positioning themselves as counterweights to executive actions.

The event underscores broader challenges in balancing federal and state authority, particularly as governors navigate policy disputes amid an administration prioritizing unilateral action.