Governor Beshear Declines White House Meeting Amidst Controversy
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced he will forgo a scheduled meeting of governors at the White House, citing concerns over the event’s handling and what he perceives as unnecessary political maneuvering. The decision, revealed in a Sunday interview, comes amidst a growing dispute surrounding the guest list and the overall tone of the gathering. Beshear’s absence underscores the escalating tensions between the administration and some state leaders.
During his appearance on CNN, Beshear sharply criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of injecting “drama” into a long-standing bipartisan tradition. He expressed skepticism about the meeting’s potential for productive dialogue, suggesting the president’s actions have undermined its purpose. “There’s a time when you have to stand up against the drama of a president that’s turned an annual bipartisan tradition and is treating it like he’s a 12-year-old, and it’s his birthday party, inviting and disinviting people, lashing out at others,” Beshear stated.
Dispute Over Meeting Invitations and Presidential Response
The controversy began when Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Okla., chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), informed his fellow governors in a letter that the NGA had received information indicating the White House intended to limit attendance to Republican governors for the business meeting. This sparked immediate backlash and questions about the inclusivity of the event. The NGA subsequently released a statement on February 11, asserting that “the president will welcome governors from all 55 states and territories to the White House,” seemingly contradicting the initial reports.
President Trump responded to Stitt’s concerns with a social media post on Wednesday, dismissing his claims as “false.” He subsequently acknowledged that he had not extended invitations to two Democratic governors: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, for a separate governors’ dinner also taking place at the White House. Stitt later clarified in an email to governors that he had spoken with the president and that a “misunderstanding in scheduling” had occurred, confirming all governors were invited to a business breakfast.
NGA Statement and Upcoming Meeting Details
The National Governors Association emphasized the value of the bipartisan White House governors meeting in their February 11 news release. The statement highlighted the tradition as “an important opportunity to build bridges and hold constructive conversations.” Despite the recent developments, the meeting remains scheduled for Friday, February 20. It remains unclear which governors will ultimately attend, given the ongoing controversy and Governor Beshear’s decision to decline participation. Spectrum News reached out to the White House for comment, but was directed back to the president’s social media posts.
