Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Speaks Out Against Trump's Criticism

Moore says he has 'no desire' for 'beef' with the former president, but feels 'bad' for him.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a rising Democratic star, is pushing back on criticism from former President Donald Trump. Trump has refused to invite Moore to a White House dinner and has criticized him over a sewage spill in the Potomac River, even though the issue is unrelated to the state. Moore says he has 'no desire' to feud with Trump, but feels 'bad' for the former president, citing his 'complicated history' with the Black community.

Why it matters

The clash between Moore and Trump highlights the ongoing political tensions in the country, as well as the potential for Moore to emerge as a national Democratic leader. Moore's efforts to redraw Maryland's congressional map could also have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The details

Moore, who is frequently mentioned as a potential future presidential candidate, met with Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss redistricting in Maryland. Moore is trying to redraw the state's congressional map to boost Democrats, part of a nationwide battle over redistricting. Trump has criticized Moore's efforts, saying he is 'not worthy' of a White House dinner with state leaders. Moore says the sewage spill issue has 'nothing to do' with Maryland, as the pipe is part of a federally regulated utility.

  • On February 19, 2026, Gov. Wes Moore spoke with The Associated Press about his meeting with Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries and his relationship with former President Donald Trump.

The players

Wes Moore

The current governor of Maryland and a rising star in the Democratic Party. He is frequently mentioned as a potential future presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has been critical of Gov. Wes Moore and his efforts to redraw Maryland's congressional map.

Hakeem Jeffries

The current Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, who met with Gov. Wes Moore to discuss redistricting in Maryland.

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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 (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 (Associated Press)

“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 (Associated Press)

What’s next

The Maryland legislature will hold a vote on Gov. Wes Moore's proposed congressional redistricting plan in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The clash between Gov. Wes Moore and former President Donald Trump highlights the ongoing political divisions in the country, as well as the potential for Moore to emerge as a national Democratic leader. Moore's efforts to redraw Maryland's congressional map could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.