Maryland Governor Wes Moore Speaks Out After Alleged White House Snub
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has publicly addressed reports that the Trump administration rescinded his invitation to a traditionally bipartisan National Governors Association (NGA) dinner hosted by the president. In a statement issued on Sunday, Moore characterized the action as "blatant disrespect" and asserted that it contradicts the essential spirit of cooperation between state and federal leadership.
A Weighty Exclusion for the Nation's Only Black Governor
Governor Moore emphasized that the situation holds particular significance due to his unique position as the only sitting Black governor in the United States. "As the nation's only Black governor, I can't ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight — whether that was the intent or not," Moore wrote. This perspective adds a layer of racial and political context to the incident, highlighting potential implications beyond mere partisan disagreement.
Confusion Amidst Ongoing Collaboration
The governor expressed particular bewilderment over the decision, noting his recent collaborative efforts with the Trump administration on critical issues such as lowering energy costs. This makes the uninvitation appear inconsistent with their working relationship. Moore currently serves as the vice chair of the NGA's executive committee, a role he holds alongside Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, who chairs the committee. This committee is designed to be bipartisan, consisting of four Republicans and five Democrats.
Broader Implications and Internal Criticism
Reports indicate that Colorado Governor Jared Polis, another Democrat, was similarly uninvited, while 22 other Democratic governors — including several vocal critics of President Trump — reportedly remained on the guest list. This selective exclusion has sparked criticism within the NGA itself. Brandon Tatum, the association's Chief Executive Officer, warned that such actions weaken the NGA's foundational role as a bridge between state and federal governments. "To disinvite individual governors to the White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration," Tatum stated.
Historical Context and Unanswered Questions
The National Governors Association, established in 1908 during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, has long been revered as a bipartisan forum for governors across the nation. This incident challenges that tradition. As of now, the White House has not provided a public explanation for the reported uninvitations, leaving the motives behind the decision unclear and fueling further speculation and debate about political dynamics and respect for institutional norms.
