In a surprising turn of events at the National Governors Association (NGA) summer meeting in Colorado Springs, incoming chair Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has expressed his disappointment over some Democratic governors reportedly planning to withhold their dues. This move, seen as a protest against the NGA's stance on President Donald Trump's second term, has sparked a debate about the role of politics in what’s supposed to be a bipartisan group.

Stitt, a Republican, didn’t hold back in an exclusive interview, stating, "We shouldn't be playing politics like they do in Washington, D.C." He pointed fingers at Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Laura Kelly of Kansas, who are said to be leading this financial rebellion. Both have been vocal critics of Trump’s administration, with Kelly heading the Democratic Governors Association and Walz, a former VP candidate, mulling over another run for governor.

As Stitt prepares to take over from Colorado’s Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, with Maryland’s Gov. Wes Moore stepping in as vice chair, the tension is palpable. Stitt urged his colleagues to stay engaged, saying, "This isn't the time to take our ball and go home. Let's sit down and debate the best policies going forward." He emphasized the potential for common ground, like tackling the staggering $36 trillion national debt, a concern that transcends party lines.

The crux of the Democratic discontent seems to lie in the NGA’s perceived lack of pushback against certain federal decisions under Trump, including pauses in funding and controversial deployments of the National Guard. Yet, the NGA stands firm on its bipartisan ethos, with communications director Eric Wohlschlegel noting that public statements are only issued with consensus, preserving the group’s role as a neutral convener.

With 13 Republican and 7 Democratic leaders in attendance, alongside federal figures like Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the meeting is a critical juncture. Behind closed doors, whispers of Democratic infighting and political maneuvering add fuel to the fire, though no governor has publicly confirmed discontent. For Stitt, the message is clear: governors must rise above partisan games to address the real issues facing their states and the nation.

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NGA Chair Kevin Stitt Slams Democratic Governors for Playing Politics Over Trump Policies