Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Trump: 'I pray for him and I just feel bad for him'

Moore discusses his relationship with the former president and the state of American politics.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an interview with the Associated Press, Maryland Governor Wes Moore discussed his complicated relationship with former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Moore. Moore said he has no desire to have "beef" with the president, but feels bad for him because of his "really, really hard existence." Moore also commented on Trump's history with the Black community and the role of governors in the current polarized political climate.

Why it matters

The ongoing tension between Governor Moore and former President Trump highlights the deep political divisions in the country. As a rising Democratic star, Moore's perspective on Trump and the state of American politics is significant, especially as speculation grows about potential 2024 presidential candidates.

The details

In the interview, Moore discussed his meeting with Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries about redistricting in Maryland, saying he is simply asking for a vote in the state legislature. Moore said he is not acting to help the Democratic party, but rather to check an "unchecked executive" in Trump, who he says introduced the issue of mid-decade redistricting. Moore also commented on Trump's criticism of him over a sewage spill in the Potomac River, which Moore says has nothing to do with Maryland since it occurred on federal land. Overall, Moore expressed sympathy for Trump, saying he prays for him and feels bad for him due to the "really, really hard existence" of being president.

  • The interview took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland and a rising star in the Democratic party who is frequently floated as a potential presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has repeatedly criticized Governor Moore.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Democratic House leader with whom Governor Moore met to discuss redistricting in Maryland.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“All we're asking for is a vote. And however the vote goes, however the vote goes. But that's democracy.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (The Associated Press)

“I don't look at it as I'm doing it because I'm trying to help a party per se. I'm doing it because I think we have an unchecked executive and right now Congress does not seem interested in actually doing its job and establishing real checks and balances.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (The Associated Press)

“I have no desire to have beef with the president of the United States. I didn't run for governor like, man, I can't wait so me and the president can go toe to toe. I have no desire on that. But the fact that he is waking up in the middle of the night and tweeting about me, I just, I pray for him and I just feel bad for him because that has just got to be a really, really hard existence.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (The Associated Press)

The takeaway

Governor Moore's measured and empathetic approach to his relationship with former President Trump, despite the latter's repeated criticism, highlights the need for more civil and constructive political discourse in the deeply polarized climate of American politics.