Trump's gambit to destroy bipartisan governor tradition blows up in his face

President Donald Trump broke with a longstanding bipartisan tradition when his administration announced that he would invite only Republicans to the annual National Governors Association meeting. But now, that decision appears to be blowing up in his face, as the entire meeting falls apart, along with other White House events with governors.

According to The Associated Press, "The National Governors Association said it will no longer hold a formal meeting with Trump when governors are scheduled to convene in Washington later this month, after the White House planned to invite only Republican governors."

Not only this, but 18 Democratic governors signed onto an open letter released on Tuesday announcing their plans to boycott another upcoming event with the White House.

"Democratic governors have a long record of working across the aisle to deliver results and we remain committed to this effort. But it's disappointing this administration doesn't seem to share the same goal," said the letter. "At every turn, President Trump is creating chaos and division, and it is the American people who are hurting as a result."

"If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year," the letter continued. "Democratic governors remain united and will never stop fighting to protect and make life better for people in our states."

Historically, National Governors Association meetings have always been a bipartisan exchange of ideas — although last year, the meeting was derailed as Trump singled out Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) and threatened her for defying his anti-LGBTQ policies.