Gov. Wes Moore attends White House Governors’ meeting after initial snub

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore attended the White House governors’ meeting on Friday after the administration reversed an earlier decision to exclude him. The shift came only hours after the initial snub drew national attention, according to CBS News and The Hill.

White House Reinstates Wes Moore After Backlash

The White House first removed Moore from the National Governors Association business meeting, per CBS News. Officials later restored his invitation shortly before the session began. The reversal followed criticism from Democratic governors and concerns about breaking long‑standing bipartisan norms.

President Donald Trump told reporters the meeting would continue candidly once the press left, according to CBS News. Ten Democratic and 12 Republican governors joined the closed‑door discussion.

Moore Responds to His Exclusion

Moore said the president does not determine his worthiness, per The Hill. He stressed that Marylanders decide that, not Trump. He also said he will work with anyone but will bow down to no one.

According to The Hill, Moore suggested his exclusion may have been tied to being the nation’s only Black governor. He called the situation confusing, especially after he recently led a bipartisan group of governors to the White House.

Democratic Governors Push Back

Democratic governors boycotted the annual White House dinner after Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis remained barred, according to CBS News. They argued that Trump broke a decades‑long bipartisan tradition by excluding two sitting governors.

The Hill reported that several governors said the decision created unnecessary division and undermined cooperation.

Policy Takes Center Stage

Moore said the meeting still allowed governors to discuss issues affecting every state. He spoke with cabinet officials about lowering energy prices, per CBS News. He also discussed the Key Bridge with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, though he did not share details.

He emphasized that bipartisan work remains essential and said governors must stay focused on protecting their residents.

NGA Distances Itself

The National Governors Association withdrew from facilitating the meeting after Trump refused to invite Moore and Polis, according to The Hill. NGA leaders said the event could not be considered an NGA function if all governors were not included.

Moore said he has no desire for conflict. He added that he prays for the president and feels compassion for the hostility directed at him, per CBS News.

Moore Calls the Meeting Productive

After the session, Moore described the meeting as productive. He said governors addressed shared challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to public service. He stressed that he will work with anyone to improve Maryland.