Only Black governor excluded from White House dinner, Wes Moore calls snub “disrespectful”

WASHINGTON — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the nation’s only Black governor, did not receive an invitation to the White House dinner.

Moore said he will continue serving Maryland with integrity after President Donald Trump excluded him from a White House dinner planned during the National Governors Association meeting.

Moore called the decision disrespectful but said his worth “comes from God and the people of Maryland,” not from the president.

Trump announced that all U.S. governors would be invited to the dinner except for Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. In posts on Truth Social, Trump labeled Moore “not worthy,” criticized his leadership, and questioned his Bronze Star.

Moore Rejects Trump’s Claim: “You Do Not Determine My Worthiness”

During a CBS News town hall, Moore said he is willing to work with federal partners but will not attend an event designed for “name‑calling.”

“Respectfully, you do not determine my worthiness. God determines my worthiness. The people of Maryland determine my worthiness. They are who I answer to. Not him,” Moore said.

Moore added that he “will bow down to no one” and said the president “has a problem with that.”

Only Black Governor Left Off Guest List

Moore noted that being the only Black governor adds weight to the exclusion. He told CBS Baltimore that being singled out “is particularly painful,” especially because his peers elected him vice chair of the NGA.

Democratic Governors Boycott Dinner in Solidarity

According to USA TODAY, at least 18 Democratic governors said they would boycott the dinner after Moore and Polis were blocked from attending. They called the decision “disappointing” and said the administration was creating “chaos and division.”

Polis also said he would continue working with governors “to make people’s lives better,” regardless of invitations.

White House Says Invitations Are at the President’s Discretion

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president “can invite whomever he wants” and added that those who decline are “missing out.”

Moore Says His Focus Remains on Marylanders

Moore said the snub will not distract him from his work.

“My job is to deliver for Marylanders,” he said. “That will not change.”