Trump’s latest move comes after a confrontation with the Democratic government. Maryland’s Wes Moore and Colorado’s Jared Polis.
Governor Wes Moore rejected by President Trump from attending annual governor’s dinner
Governor Wes Moore speaks frankly about the future direction of the Democratic Party in an exclusive interview
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump kicked reporters out of a breakfast meeting with governors on February 20 to allow officials to speak “candidly.”
“Then we’ll have a very candid conversation and we’ll take questions at the end,” Trump said. “Thank you to all the media. It’s safe to go home now.”
Trump’s latest move comes after a confrontation with the Democratic government. Maryland’s Wes Moore and Colorado’s Jared Polis caused confusion over who could attend a meeting called a “working breakfast” in the East Room.
Reporters shouted as they were escorted out of the room, including questions about whether they were considering military action against Iran.
President Trump said, “I would say we are considering it.”
He did not respond to questions about whether he spoke with Moore about the Potomac River sewage spill.
Days before this year’s meeting, President Trump blamed Moore for the largest sewage spill in history. The sewer system is overseen by officials in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, but President Trump targeted Moore.
Moore did not applaud when Trump entered the room. Moore urged President Trump to do his job to help local governments recover from the emergency. At least 200 million gallons of raw sewage flowed into the Potomac River from a collapsed pipe known as the Potomac Interceptor.
Moore issued a statement saying he attended the meeting to work with governors of both parties to resolve the issue.
“But let me be clear: I do not participate in political stunts,” Moore said. “The American people are tired of the divisiveness and toxicity from Washington, and we are all praying for things to get better.”
The annual meeting between the president and the National Governors Association is traditionally bipartisan. But President Trump singled out Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills over her compliance with an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from school sports. “I’ll see you in court,” she replied.
