In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has broken his longstanding pattern by issuing a rare public apology. However, this apology was not directed at former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, despite intense pressure to address a recent controversial social media post.
Controversial Meme Sparks Outrage
Trump caused significant uproar across the political spectrum last week by recirculating a video on his Truth Social platform that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Although he later deleted the clip, Trump firmly told reporters aboard Air Force One that he saw no reason to apologize, stating emphatically, "No, I didn't make a mistake. I looked at the beginning of it. It was fine."
The Actual Apology Emerges
The apology that did materialize came in an unexpected direction. Late Wednesday, Trump took to his social media platform to express regret over his past endorsement of Oklahoma's Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. "When Kevin Stitt, the very mediocre (at best!) RINO Governor of Oklahoma, was losing his Election to a Democrat, primarily because he did a bad job, he called for my help. I Endorsed him, and he won," Trump wrote. "Sorry, my cherished Oklahoma, to have done that to you!"
This represents a significant reversal from Trump's previous praise for Stitt. In 2018 and again in March 2022, Trump had enthusiastically endorsed the Oklahoma governor, calling him a "fearless defender" of conservative values who had done a "fantastic job" in office. "Kevin was a very successful businessman in 2018 when I first endorsed him," Trump stated in 2022. "Now, he is a fighter for the incredible people of Oklahoma. Kevin Stitt has my Complete and Total Endorsement!"
Governors Association Dispute Triggers Fallout
The dramatic shift in Trump's position appears to have been triggered by a dispute over the National Governors Association (NGA) meeting scheduled for Friday at the White House. Stitt, who chairs the bipartisan NGA, briefly canceled the annual meeting after Trump apparently expressed his intention to bar Democratic governors from attending.
"Because NGA's mission is to represent all 55 governors, the association is no longer serving as the facilitator for that event, and it is no longer included in our official program," Stitt informed colleagues in a letter, according to the Associated Press.
Trump Clarifies Invitation Policy
Following the cancellation, Trump clarified his position in another social media post, explaining that he had not sought to exclude all Democratic governors, only two specific individuals. "The invitations were sent to ALL Governors, other than two, who I feel are not worthy of being there," the former president stated.
Trump specifically mentioned Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore as the two Democrats he did not wish to invite. He criticized Polis over the detention of Tina Peters, a former county clerk jailed for her involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Regarding Moore, Trump referenced past controversies about military record misrepresentation and criticized his handling of Baltimore's crime situation and bridge reconstruction.
Interestingly, Trump noted that he had extended invitations to other Democratic governors despite his criticisms of their performance, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and California Governor Gavin Newsom. "I even invited the SLOB of a Governor, JB Pritzker, and horrendous California Governor, Gavin Newscum, to the Dinner, despite the terrible job that they are doing," he wrote.
Meeting Proceeds With Clarifications
The White House event is now proceeding as planned after Trump's clarification about the invitation policy. According to CBS News, Wes Moore has since received his invitation, though Jared Polis has yet to confirm his attendance.
Trump concluded his post with a final jab at Stitt: "So, as usual with him, Stitt got it WRONG! The Invitations were sent out to all other Governors, Democrat and Republican. I look forward to seeing the Republican Governors, and some of the Democrats Governors who were worthy of being invited, but most of whom won't show up."
This episode highlights Trump's continued influence in Republican politics and his willingness to publicly turn against former allies when he perceives disloyalty or disagreement with his positions. The apology for endorsing Stitt marks a notable departure from Trump's typically unapologetic public persona, even as he maintains his refusal to apologize for the controversial Obama meme that sparked widespread criticism.
