Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) has signaled a pragmatic approach to the incoming Trump administration.
Moore emphasized his focus on governing rather than joining the ranks of staunch Democratic opposition.
In a Tuesday appearance on CNN’s The Lead, Moore made it clear that his priority is to serve the people of Maryland, not to spearhead resistance against President-elect Donald Trump.
“I’m not the leader of the resistance. I’m the governor of Maryland,” Moore told host Jake Tapper.
“My job is to make sure that the 6.5 million people who call the state of Maryland home are going to be supported, protected, that their freedoms and their rights are going to be honored, and also their hopes and their dreams and their aspirations are going to be invested in and supported.”
Moore’s measured tone contrasts sharply with more combative stances from other Democratic leaders.
He expressed a willingness to collaborate with Trump on matters that benefit Maryland but made it clear his cooperation has limits.
“I have been very clear that I will work with anybody who wants to be a good partner inside the work to make sure that Maryland is supported,” Moore said.
“But I am also prepared to make sure…that we will push back when we see those basic rights being violated.”
Democrats Start to Split on Trump
Moore’s comments reflect a broader divide among Democrats on how to approach the Trump administration.
Some, like Moore, are opting for a pragmatic, cooperative stance, while others are taking a more adversarial approach.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, an encounter the president-elect described as “a totally fascinating meeting.”
The Pennsylvania senator’s decision to engage directly with Trump stands in stark contrast to figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who has been openly critical of the incoming administration.