WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump criticized some governors while calling for national unity during a White House dinner on Saturday, putting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and others on notice.
Speaking at the event attended by state leaders, Trump said governors, including Democrats, could rely on his administration for support. He emphasized the importance of unity, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stood up to cite Trump’s recent meeting with the PGA as an example of collaboration.
Trump acknowledged that some Democratic governors were performing well, but jokingly suggested that others were not, prompting laughter from the audience. He also marked the 239th birthday of George Washington, saying, “Let us all commit ourselves to strengthening America and making it something even more special than it has been.”
Before dinner, Trump asked Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner to lead a prayer and later offered attendees a tour of the Lincoln Bedroom, calling it “beautiful.”