Democratic governors attending an annual bipartisan gathering in Washington are opting out of the White House’s traditional black-tie dinner. Their decision follows President Trump’s choice to disinvite several Democrats from the event, leading to a collective boycott.
Oklahoma Voice: All Democratic governors bow out of White House dinner after Trump snubs several
Key Takeaways:
- The event is an annual bipartisan gathering in Washington.
- President Trump disinvited several Democratic governors.
- All Democratic governors have collectively decided not to attend.
- The dinner is a long-standing White House tradition.
- This boycott underscores heightened political tensions.
A Longstanding Tradition
Each year, governors from across the country converge on the nation’s capital for a bipartisan event that typically includes policy discussions and meetings. One highlight of this annual gathering is a formal, black-tie dinner hosted at the White House—a ritual known for bringing leaders from both parties together.
Trump Disinvites Democrats
According to reports, President Donald Trump rescinded invitations to several Democratic governors just before the dinner. Although specifics were not provided, the move directly affected members of the Democratic Party who were initially set to attend.
Democratic Governors Take a Stand
In response to the disinvitations, every Democratic governor scheduled to be in Washington has chosen to forgo the dinner entirely. This unified action has turned the once-anticipated traditional event into a point of contention. One governor, as quoted by the Oklahoma-based outlet, affirmed that disinviting any single member in this group setting led them all to bow out.
Ramifications for Bipartisanship
While the annual dinner often serves as a symbol of cooperation beyond political lines, this year’s controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the current administration and Democratic representatives. Observers note that the Democratic boycott departs from the usual custom and raises questions about how these fractured relations might influence the broader agenda of the meeting.
The Democratic governors have not issued any further plans for alternate gatherings, and the White House has not offered further comment about the disinvitations. For now, the focus remains on the larger impact this shift may have on future bipartisan events and whether it sets a precedent for similar standoffs down the road. “`