Maryland Governor Wes Moore says he was removed from a traditional White House dinner held for U.S. state governors, a move that has drawn attention because of its wider meaning beyond domestic politics.
The dinner is usually hosted by the U.S. President during the annual National Governors Association meeting in Washington, where governors from all 50 states gather to discuss shared national challenges. The event has long been bipartisan, bringing together leaders from different political parties.
In a public statement, Moore said the decision to exclude him marked a departure from that tradition. As the only Black governor in the United States, he said the situation carries added significance.
“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.”
The governor noted that his removal from the dinner came shortly after he took part in a bipartisan meeting at the White House. During that visit, governors from across the political divide worked with the Trump administration on plans aimed at reducing energy costs and improving electricity systems. Moore said the discussions showed that cooperation remains possible when leaders focus on results rather than political differences.
In an interview with CNN, Moore said he does not know the reason behind the decision, but acknowledged that race is an unavoidable factor in how the situation is viewed.
“I’m never in a room because of someone’s benevolence or kindness. I’m not in a room because of a social experiment. I’m in the room because I belong there, and the room was incomplete until I got there,” Moore said.
Reports indicate that several Democratic governors were not invited to the dinner this year, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Both Moore and Polis have previously been critical of President Donald Trump. However, other Democratic governors who have also expressed opposition to the President, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, were invited, raising questions about how the decisions were made.
The move has also drawn concern from the National Governors Association. Its Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Tatum, warned that such exclusions weaken cooperation between state and federal authorities.
“To disinvite individual governors to the White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration.”