Published on February 19, 2025
The presidential action announces new appointments to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan body established in 2010 that coordinates national security, disaster response, and military matters between state and federal levels. The appointments include ten governors from various states, with Glenn Youngkin (VA) and Josh Stein (NC) serving as co-chairs, representing a mix of coastal and strategic states across the eastern United States.
The selection of governors predominantly from eastern seaboard states, particularly those with significant military installations and potential disaster vulnerabilities, suggests a possible shift in national security focus that could marginalize western states' interests. The appointment of controversial figures like Ron DeSantis alongside potential presidential contenders may indicate an attempt to create a power bloc within the council that could influence military and security decisions for political advantage rather than national interest.
While the Council's stated purpose of enhancing state-federal coordination on security matters appears straightforward, the geographical concentration of appointees and their political profiles suggest a more strategic positioning that could impact national security decision-making and resource allocation. The public should monitor how this composition affects the balance of power between regions and political interests in crucial security and disaster response situations.
Today, President Donald J. Trump announced new appointments to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group of state leaders tasked with strengthening state-federal partnerships on key national security, disaster response, and military coordination issues. Appointed Members Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA) – Co-Chair Governor Josh Stein (NC) – Co-Chair Governor Ron DeSantis (FL) Governor Brian Kemp (GA) Governor Jeff Landry (LA) Governor Wes Moore (MD) Governor Gretchen Whitmer (MI) Governor Kathy Hochul (NY) Governor Josh Shapiro (PA) Governor Henry McMaster (SC) About the Council of GovernorsThe Council of Governors was established by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and formally created by Executive Order 13528 in 2010. It serves as a key forum for governors and federal officials to enhance collaboration on disaster response, National Guard operations, and military integration within the states.