Watch live: Trump hosts governors at White House breakfast
The Hill
by The Hill StaffFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump is set to host a group of governors at the White House for a working breakfast on Friday morning. This annual gathering, which has traditionally been a bipartisan event bringing together state leaders from across the political spectrum, appears to be overshadowed by recent tensions between Trump and Democratic Governors Wes Moore of Maryland and Jared Polis of Colorado. The National Governors Association (NGA) highlighted concerns about the current climate ahead of the meeting, signaling potential challenges in fostering productive dialogue.
The White House breakfast with governors is a longstanding tradition aimed at facilitating communication between federal and state leaders on key policy issues. In past years, these meetings have often been bipartisan affairs, with Trump engaging with both Republican and Democratic governors to discuss matters like infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development. However, this year’s event has taken on added significance due to the ongoing political clashes between Trump and certain Democratic Governors.
The NGA emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication despite political differences. The organization noted that state leaders rely on collaboration with the federal government to secure funding for critical programs, such as disaster recovery, education, and healthcare initiatives. Despite the tensions, many governors remain committed to working with the administration to address pressing issues affecting their states.
This event highlights the growing divide between the White House and Democratic Governors, which could have far-reaching implications for state-federal relations. As political polarization intensifies, the ability of governors to work across party lines will be tested. The outcome of these discussions could impact funding allocations, policy implementation, and the overall effectiveness of government at both the state and federal levels.
Ultimately, the White House breakfast serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing American governance. While it remains to be seen whether this year’s meeting will yield meaningful progress or further entrench divisions, the stakes are high for states relying on bipartisan cooperation to address their most pressing needs.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/20/2026