Rep. Andy Harris Praises Trump's State of the Union Address

Criticizes Maryland Governor for 'Presidential Ambitions' Interfering with Federal Support

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican representing Maryland's 1st congressional district, shared his thoughts on President Donald Trump's recent State of the Union address. Harris praised the speech as a "masterclass" in delivering the annual address and commended Trump's choice of guests in the gallery. However, Harris also criticized Maryland's Democratic Governor Wes Moore, suggesting that Moore's "presidential ambitions" could interfere with the state receiving its "fair share" of federal support.

Why it matters

This story highlights the partisan divide in Maryland politics, with a Republican congressman praising the Republican president's speech while criticizing the Democratic governor. It also touches on broader themes of federal-state relations and the role of politics in governing.

The details

In an interview with local radio hosts, Rep. Andy Harris said he thought Trump's State of the Union address "was exactly what the president had to do" and called it a "masterclass in how to deliver a State of the Union address." However, Harris also took aim at Maryland's Governor Wes Moore, a rising Democratic star, suggesting that Moore's "presidential ambitions" could get in the way of Maryland receiving adequate federal support. Harris said he would work with the current administration "to make sure that Maryland does, you know, get its fair share." The congressman also criticized Democrats for not wanting to work on healthcare reform, saying proposals like allowing people to spend their own money from health savings accounts "is not going to go anywhere because, again, the Democrats want an election year issue."

  • Rep. Andy Harris shared his thoughts on President Trump's State of the Union address on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Rep. Andy Harris

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Maryland's 1st congressional district.

President Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who delivered the State of the Union address that Rep. Harris commented on.

Gov. Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, whom Rep. Harris criticized for his "presidential ambitions" interfering with the state's federal support.

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What they’re saying

“I thought this speech was exactly what the president had to do. It was a masterclass in how to deliver a State of the Union address and what guests to have in the gallery.”

— Rep. Andy Harris (WBAL)

“It's a shame if presidential ambitions of our governor get in the way of Maryland getting taken care of by the federal government.”

— Rep. Andy Harris (WBAL)

The takeaway

This story highlights the partisan tensions in Maryland politics, with a Republican congressman praising the Republican president's speech while criticizing the Democratic governor's perceived political ambitions. It underscores the ongoing divide between the parties on issues like healthcare reform and the role of the federal government in supporting state interests.