President Donald Trump is taking a massive departure from tradition by only inviting Republicans to the annual National Governors Association meeting — an event that by tradition is bipartisan.
According to Politico, staffers for governors' offices were alerted to the change this week — prompting a flurry of criticism.
“The bipartisan White House governors meeting is an important tradition, and we are disappointed in the administration’s decision to make it a partisan occasion this year,” National Governors Association director Brandon Tatum stated. “To disinvite individual governors to the White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration.”
He went on to say, “At this moment in our nation’s history, it is critical that institutions continue to stand for unity, dignity, and constructive engagement. Traditionally the White House has played a role in fostering these moments ... This year, they will not.”
Democratic governors' offices were also upset at the news, with one staffer telling Politico, “This is unfortunate and disappointing because a number of Democratic governors have shown an openness to work together with the White House on common issues. And the White House is saying bipartisanship is not a worthwhile endeavor.”
NGA meetings have been bipartisan for decades, with Trump himself taking part in many — although his involvement has led to tensions in the past. Last year, Trump got into a fight with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over transgender rights policies and singled out the state for grant cuts, which led to a series of bitter courtroom battles.
Mills is now running in the Democratic primary to take on longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
This comes at a moment where Trump's policies have become so bitterly divisive that his staff persuaded him to skip attending the Super Bowl this year to avoid the spectacle of huge crowds booing him.
