Maryland Governor Prays for Trump Amid Feud

Moore says he feels 'bad' for the president, despite their public disagreement over the National Governors Association and a sewage spill in the Potomac River.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said he has 'no desire to have beef' with President Trump, even as the two are embroiled in a public feud. Moore told The Associated Press that he prays for Trump and feels 'bad for him' because of the president's frequent tweets criticizing the governor. The feud stems from disputes over the National Governors Association meetings and a sewage spill in the Potomac River, which Trump blamed on Moore, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), and Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D).

Why it matters

The public feud between Moore and Trump highlights the ongoing political tensions between Democratic state leaders and the Republican former president. It also raises questions about how state and federal officials will work together to address issues like the Potomac River sewage spill, which requires coordination across jurisdictions.

The details

Trump has singled out Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) for criticism, and did not invite the two to a White House dinner with governors. In response, Moore told CBS News he does not plan to attend a Friday White House meeting between the president and governors. Earlier this week, Trump blamed Moore, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), and Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) for the sewage spill in the Potomac River, even though the collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor that caused the spill is owned and operated by the local utility DC Water.

  • On Wednesday, Moore spoke to The Associated Press about his feelings toward Trump.
  • Earlier this month, Moore told CBS News he does not plan to attend a Friday White House meeting between the president and governors.
  • This week, Trump blamed Moore, Spanberger, and Bowser for the sewage spill in the Potomac River.

The players

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who says he prays for President Trump and feels 'bad for him' despite their public feud.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president who has singled out Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) for criticism and blamed them, along with Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) and Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), for a sewage spill in the Potomac River.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado who, along with Moore, was not invited by Trump to a White House dinner with governors.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who was blamed by Trump for the Potomac River sewage spill.

Muriel Bowser

The Democratic mayor of Washington, D.C., who was also blamed by Trump for the Potomac River sewage spill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

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

“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)

“How this has anything to do with Maryland, I have no idea. I think [Trump] just woke up and just said, I hate Maryland so I'm just going to introduce them into a conversation. This literally has nothing to do with us, with the exception of the fact that when we first heard about what happened, that I ordered our team to assist Washington, D.C.”

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.