Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., calling it politically motivated and constitutionally problematic.
During an appearance on The Briefing with Jen Psaki on Tuesday night, Moore expressed his deep concerns about the possible misuse of military forces in local law enforcement efforts. He made it clear that he would not authorize the deployment of the Maryland National Guard unless it was deemed “both mission-critical and mission-aligned.”
Moore emphasized the gravity of the decision, saying he would not take such a step lightly.
“I will not authorize the usage of the Maryland National Guard for any mission that I do not deem mission-critical or mission-aligned,” he said. “It will not happen.”
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Moore also highlighted Maryland’s significant success in reducing violent crime without relying on military intervention. He pointed to Baltimore City, where violent crime has allegedly dropped to its lowest level in decades.
“We made historic progress in Baltimore without having to deploy the National Guard,” he said.
Moore further described the idea as offensive, noting that it appeared to be an “unnecessary deployment of personal political ego,” rather than a genuine effort to address public safety concerns.
Moore was also quick to criticize Trump’s reference to Baltimore crime this week.
“The president has not walked the streets of Baltimore like I have. He doesn’t know Baltimoreans like I do, and he doesn’t understand the progress we’ve made,” Moore said.
He warned that such deployments would not only be costly, using taxpayer dollars for what he described as a “demonstration of force,” but would also have little practical effect.
“It’s deeply offensive for those of us who have worn the uniform to see it used as a political pawn,” Moore said.
However, while some have praised Moore’s approach to crime and public safety, his polling numbers have recently declined.
A Maryland NOW poll released last week indicated that Moore’s approval rating has dropped to 50%, with the most significant decline seen among Democratic voters. This suggests a growing discontent within his party, which could have significant implications for his political future.
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At a time when many speculated that Moore could be positioning himself for a 2028 run, the poll findings have raised concerns about his ability to maintain broad support, especially with former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s rising prominence.
Hogan, who left office in January 2023 with high approval ratings, has remained active in state politics, and the possibility of a Hogan-Moore matchup in the 2026 gubernatorial race is looming large.
