Updated Feb. 20, 2026, 10:34 a.m. ET
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump kicked reporters out of a breakfast meeting Feb. 20 with governors so the officials could speak “candidly.”
“That way we’re going to talk very candidly and take questions at the end,” Trump said. “To the media, thank you. You can leave now.”
Trump’s move came after disputes with Democratic Govs. Wes Moore of Maryland and Jared Polis of Colorado led to confusion about who could attend the meeting termed a “working breakfast” in the East Room.
Reporters shouted questions as they were led out of the room, including one about whether he was considering military action against Iran.
“I guess I can say I am considering it,” Trump said.
He didn’t respond to a question about whether he had spoken to Moore about the Potomac River sewerage spill.
In the days before this year’s meeting, Trump blamed Moore for one of the largest sewage spills in history. The sewage system is overseen by D.C., Maryland and Virginia officials but Trump targeted Moore.
Moore did not clap as Trump entered the room. Moore urged Trump to do his job in helping local governments recover from the emergency. At least 200 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River from a collapsed pipe known as Potomac Interceptor.
The president’s annual meetings with the National Governors is traditionally bipartisan. But Trump singled out Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills over compliance with his executive order aiming to ban transgender athletes from school sports. “We’ll see you in court,” she replied.
Moore urged Trump to do his job in helping local governments recover from the emergency. At least 200 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River from a collapsed pipe known as Potomac Interceptor.
Moore issued a statement saying he would attend the meeting to work with governors of both parties to solve problems.
“But let me be abundantly clear: I will not participate in political stunts,” Moore said. “Americans are exhausted by the division and toxicity out of Washington, and we all pray for better.”
The president’s annual meetings with the National Governors Association are traditionally bipartisan. But Trump singled out Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills over compliance with his executive order aiming to ban transgender athletes from school sports. “We’ll see you in court,” she replied.