President-elect Donald Trump welcomed 22 out of the nation's 27 Republican governors to a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. The gathering aimed to foster collaboration and drive the conservative agenda in states led by GOP governors once Trump assumes office in 11 days.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte mentioned that some governors were unable to attend due to prior commitments, including one delayed by snow. However, those present expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with the incoming administration and establish a cooperative working relationship that was lacking during the previous administration.
During the dinner, cameras were briefly allowed inside, capturing Trump's discussions on various topics. These ranged from his interest in acquiring Greenland to his interactions with technology company leaders post-election and his plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump also highlighted his recent meeting with Republican Senators on Capitol Hill, describing it as a positive engagement. He reiterated his commitment to working with leaders from both red and blue states, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation.
Several governors raised concerns about potential federal overreach by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency under the incoming Biden administration. They expressed frustration and emphasized the need for a balanced approach to governance.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a former primary rival of Trump, defended the president-elect's stance on collaborating with states regardless of political affiliation. DeSantis cited his past experiences working with both Biden and Trump during natural disasters, highlighting the importance of strong federal-state partnerships.
Trump also addressed the issue of drone sightings, promising to provide more information on the matter after his Inauguration Day on January 20. He hinted at a forthcoming report to shed light on the situation and address concerns raised by the governors.
The dinner concluded with a sense of optimism among the governors regarding the potential for enhanced cooperation with the incoming administration. Trump's willingness to engage with state leaders and address their concerns signals a proactive approach to governance in the coming term.
