Trump Excludes Colorado Gov. Jared Polis from White House Events
In a move that's reignited debates over bipartisanship in American politics, President Donald Trump has publicly excluded Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore from upcoming White House events during the National Governors Association (NGA) conference. The controversy, which unfolded in early February 2026, highlights deepening partisan divides even as invitations were extended to most other governors. As a professional journalist at Everythiiing.com, I've delved into the details, reactions, and broader implications of this snub.
Background on the Controversy
The drama began when the White House initially planned to limit a formal business meeting on February 20, 2026, to Republican governors only, according to sources familiar with the planning and statements from the NGA. This exclusion extended to a subsequent dinner on February 21, where governors and their spouses were to dine with the president. Democratic leaders, including Polis and Moore, were informed last Friday by the NGA that they were not invited.
Governor Jared Polis, a moderate Democrat known for his pragmatic approach to governance, has been a fixture in Colorado politics since his election in 2018. As the state's first openly gay governor, Polis has championed issues like education reform, environmental protection, and economic recovery post-COVID. His administration has focused on bipartisan collaborations, including working with federal officials on infrastructure and wildfire management. However, his relationship with Trump has been strained, particularly over election integrity issues.
The president's exclusion of Polis appears tied to a specific grievance: the imprisonment of former Mesa County election clerk Tina Peters. Peters, a Republican, was convicted in 2024 for tampering with voting systems in an effort to uncover alleged fraud—a narrative Trump has long promoted. Polis's administration oversaw the legal process that led to her sentencing, which Trump has criticized as politically motivated persecution.
The White House's Initial Stance and Backtrack
Initially, the NGA, chaired by Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, pushed back against the partisan exclusions. On February 6, the association announced it would not facilitate the meeting or include it on its official schedule, emphasizing the event's bipartisan nature. Stitt defended Moore, the NGA's vice chair, as an "exceptional" leader in a letter to governors on Monday.
By Wednesday, February 11, communications shifted. Stitt informed all 55 governors and territorial leaders that they were welcome at the February 20 meeting, crediting Trump's intent for inclusivity and attributing earlier issues to a "scheduling misunderstanding." Invitations began rolling out to Democrats that evening. However, Trump's afternoon post on Truth Social contradicted this, stating that invitations went to "ALL Governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there." He name-checked Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and California Gov. Gavin Newsom as invited despite their criticisms of him, underscoring the targeted nature of the exclusions.
Moore received an invitation to the formal meeting, per sources, but it's unclear if Polis did. A spokesperson for Polis emphasized resilience: "No matter what events Colorado is or isn't invited to, Governor Polis will continue to focus on working with his fellow governors and anyone who wants to help make people's lives better."
Reactions from Key Players
The snub prompted a unified response from nearly every Democratic governor. On Tuesday, they issued a joint statement declining to attend any White House events, including the dinner, in solidarity with Moore and Polis. This show of unity underscores the fragility of federal-state relations under Trump's second term.
Stitt's role as NGA chair has been pivotal. In his message to governors, he reiterated Trump's desire to hear from leaders across the aisle, positioning the event as a national dialogue rather than a partisan affair. Yet, Trump's public contradiction of Stitt has fueled speculation about internal White House dynamics and the president's impulsive communication style via social media.
From a broader perspective, Polis's exclusion resonates in Colorado, a purple state where he's maintained high approval ratings through centrist policies. His focus on practical issues—like affordable housing and renewable energy—has allowed him to navigate national polarization effectively. Analysts suggest this incident could bolster his image among Democrats as a target of Trump's vendettas, potentially aiding his future ambitions, including whispers of a 2028 presidential run.
Implications for Bipartisan Governance
This episode reveals ongoing tensions in US federalism. The NGA, founded in 1908, has historically served as a neutral ground for governors to collaborate on national challenges like disaster response and economic policy. Excluding key Democrats risks undermining this forum, especially as states grapple with federal funding cuts and policy shifts under Trump.
Politically, the move plays into Trump's base, portraying him as unapologetically tough on perceived adversaries. However, it alienates moderates and could complicate legislative priorities requiring state buy-in, such as infrastructure bills or climate initiatives where Polis has been a vocal advocate.
Looking ahead, the February 20 meeting and potential dinner remain fluid. As invitations circulate, the true test will be attendance and tone. Will Polis and Moore's exclusions hold, or will pragmatism prevail? For now, the incident serves as a microcosm of America's divided political landscape, where personal grudges can eclipse institutional norms.
Who is Jared Polis?
Beyond this controversy, Jared Polis (born Jadon Sanford Polis in 1975) is a Boulder native and entrepreneur who built a fortune in tech startups before entering politics. Elected to Congress in 2008, he served six terms, focusing on education and civil liberties. As governor, he's balanced progressive stances on social issues with fiscally conservative measures, including tax cuts and deregulation to attract businesses.
Polis's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic earned praise for its data-driven approach, while his push for universal pre-K and mental health funding has positioned Colorado as a leader in social services. Amid national headlines, his steady leadership contrasts sharply with the drama of D.C. politics.
In conclusion, while the White House invitation saga may fade, it underscores the challenges of governance in a hyper-partisan era. As Everythiiing.com continues to cover evolving US politics, we'll monitor how leaders like Polis navigate these waters to deliver for their constituents.
