Wes Moore digs in as Trump, Baltimore police union rip his National Guard refusal
abc7amarillo.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 1:57:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Public Opinion & Polling, Presidential Campaigns, State Politics & Governors
WASHINGTON (WBFF) -- President Donald Trump slammed Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday, as a dispute over the National Guard's role in crime suppression also escalated into a war of words with the leader of Baltimore's police union -- drawing national attention to the state's public safety policies.
Speaking from the Oval Office during what was scheduled as a celebration of the 90th anniversary of Social Security, Trump was asked almost immediately about his crime crackdown and the use of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.
I heard this character they talk about him as a candidate. He's got no chance, the governor of Maryland," Trump said. "They say maybe he'll be a president, but he's not presidential timber at all."
The president said he watched Moore on television earlier on Thursday, saying members of the National Guard are not trained for policing missions.
"They're [National Guard] trained in common sense," Trump said. "They're trained in not allowing people to burn down buildings, bomb buildings, and shoot people, and all the things. They've done a great job."
Trump praised his decision to deploy the National Guard also to Los Angeles to quell civil unrest, some of which turned violent, as a result of immigration enforcement operations.
RELATED | Gov. Wes Moore says 'he' will not deploy the National Guard, White House and FOP respond
Maryland's governor did not use his official government social media, but hours later posted a video response on his political campaign-affiliated X account.
"So while I was on the Eastern Shore, opening up a new health clinic in rural Maryland, the president of the United States took to the Oval Office to attack me," Moore said. "And he attacked me because I was critical of his performative decision to put military personnel in American cities to perform municipal policing functions."
Moore said in the video that he had served the nation previously through military service, saying he "knows what is being asked of these men and women, every time we ask them to activate."
"Our military, we were trained to fight and win our nation's wars," Moore said. "Our National Guards are trained to respond to states that are seeing times of emergency or crisis."
If the president wants to have a real conversation about how to reduce violence, like we have had in the state of Maryland since I've been the governor, where Maryland has had amongst the fastest drops of violent crime anywhere in the United States of America, I am ready to have that conversation, anytime, Mr. President," Moore added.
Despite historic double-digit decreases in violent crime, FBI crime data still shows Baltimore ranked in the top three nationwide with the highest homicide rate.
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Moore did not include that he invoked the president's name during remarks at a ribbon-cutting at the TidalHealth Edward Q. Wilgus Community Center in Salisbury, similar to most public speeches he has given for the past two months.
"At a time when we are watching prioritization coming from Washington that is passing policies that aren't funding rural hospitals, at a time when we are watching a Washington that is willing to jeopardize the health of 40,000 Wicomico County residents who are on Medicaid, at a time when we are watching Washington, who is bend over backwards to find ways to support those who are wealthy, and forgetting about those who are not, we are committed to making sure in this state, we are going to fulfill our values I was taught at 17 years old: Leave no one behind," Moore said.
Hours before the governor's appearance at the medical center, he took to WBAL NewsRadio to answer questions about his National Guard stance, including criticism from Mike Mancuso, president of the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police.
Mancuso told Spotlight on Maryland late Tuesday night after the governor took to the cable news circuit that he "wouldn't expect Gov. Wes Moore to do anything but refuse help from President Trump," adding "either you want the feds or not."
He said the Baltimore FOP stands with the Washington, D.C., police union that praised Trump's move to deploy the national guard to support Metropolitan Police Department in crime suppression, saying the "federal government is very much involved in the crime fight daily in Maryland and in Baltimore City, both with agents on the ground and a federal consent decree."
RELATED | Md. Gov. Wes Moore's job performance numbers plunge in latest poll, DGA dismisses results
Moore slammed Mancuso's response as "political."
"I think the politics around that comment is silly," Moore said on WBAL NewsRadio. "We truly have taken an all-of-the-above and holistic approach when it comes to public safety, and that includes working with the federal government."
"Any suggestion that this is a partisan decision is not just silly, it's just unfounded," Moore added.
How can I argue with Gov. Wes Moore about my comments being silly and political?" questioned Mancuso. "I defer to his expertise in delivering silly political statements as he is the professional in that area, not me."
Mancuso said he is a "cop who spent decades working in the narcotics and homicide divisions" in the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
"The reduction in violent crime, in one of the most violent cities in the country, didn't come from political actors; it came from the blood, sweat, and tears of the men and women of the BPD, in partnership with State's Attorney Ivan Bates, and his dedicated team of prosecutors," Mancuso added.
Moore's office did not acknowledge or respond on Friday to a request for comment.
Spotlight on Maryland on Friday afternoon visited an active BPD investigation scene in what police officials called a "shooting-at" in the 2300 block of Mosher Street in West Baltimore's Bridgeview-Greenlawn neighborhood. The incident left a 30-year-old victim with unknown injuries.
The "shooting-at" occurred in the same unit block as a children's daycare center and the Billie Holiday Elementary School.
"It's too much crime," said a woman who asked not to be identified. "It's too much violence. Too much negativity. Nobody is getting along. It's just sad."
The 31-year-old woman was asked about the governor and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott's praising the lowering of reported violent crime incidents and how the city is improving.
No. Not at all," the woman said. "This is trash. It's not getting better."
Nia Gretchem said she lives just a few doors down from the shooting incident. She said living in Baltimore does not seem to be the definition of living.
"I have a 5-year-old daughter," Gretchem said. "So you never, of course, want to see anything like this happen so close to where you have your child."
"This is Baltimore City, though. This is what happens out here. It's unfortunate," Gretchem added.
Follow Gary Collins with Spotlight on Maryland on X and Instagram. Do you have news tips on this story or others? Send news tips to gmcollins@sbgtv.com.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent exchange between Maryland Governor Wes Moore and former President Donald Trump has placed a spotlight on the contentious issue of public safety, particularly regarding the role of the National Guard in policing. This confrontation is not just a battle of personalities; it underscores broader conversations about how communities address crime, the militarization of law enforcement, and the historical context of policing in America. It serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of crime prevention and the need for policies that address root causes rather than resorting to militaristic responses.
Historically, the deployment of the National Guard has often been associated with civil unrest and riots, particularly in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement. The use of military forces to quell dissent raises serious questions about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting civil liberties. Governor Moore's refusal to deploy the National Guard in a policing capacity reflects a growing recognition that crime cannot simply be addressed through brute force. Instead, it requires investment in communities, economic opportunities, and comprehensive social services. Moore's assertion that the National Guard is "trained to fight and win our nation's wars" echoes a long-held belief in the need for specialized training and approaches to public safety rather than a one-size-fits-all military solution.
The political landscape in which this dispute unfolds is also significant. Trump's comments, which reflect a broader conservative narrative that often equates safety with a stronger police presence, come at a time when many communities are advocating for systemic reforms in policing. The criticism of Moore's stance by the Baltimore police union further illustrates the complexities of police-community relations, especially in cities like Baltimore that have struggled with high crime rates. While the FBI data shows Baltimore has one of the highest homicide rates in the country, it is essential to contextualize these statistics within the city's historical struggles with systemic inequities, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, and inadequate mental health services.
Moreover, the ongoing national discourse around policing and public safety has been influenced by recent movements advocating for racial justice and accountability within law enforcement. The Black Lives Matter movement and similar organizations have underscored the need for policies that prioritize community-based safety and restorative justice over punitive measures. Moore's comments about wanting to engage in a real conversation about violence reduction resonate with these movements, which argue that true safety derives from addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to crime. This approach is not only more humane but also more effective in the long term.
In examining the responses from both Moore and Trump, it is clear that the underlying tensions are indicative of a deeper philosophical divide regarding governance, public safety, and community welfare. While Trump’s approach leans heavily on traditional law-and-order rhetoric that has characterized conservative politics for decades, Moore’s stance embraces a more progressive vision that seeks to address the root causes of violence. This debate is crucial for left-leaning individuals to engage with, as it provides an opportunity to advocate for policies that promote social justice, equity, and community resilience. Engaging right-wing perspectives on this issue can illuminate the historical failures of punitive approaches and the potential for transformative policies that truly prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
The recent clash between Maryland Governor Wes Moore and former President Donald Trump highlights a crucial debate about public safety, the role of military forces in civilian life, and the underlying systemic issues that drive crime in urban areas. This confrontation opens up an avenue for critical analysis and discussion about the effectiveness of various approaches to crime prevention and community safety. As the nation grapples with the intricate relationship between policing, military intervention, and community health, it is essential to consider historical contexts and advocate for solutions that prioritize societal well-being over militarization.
Historically, the deployment of military forces in domestic situations has often been fraught with complications. From the Civil Rights Movement to the unrest following police killings, military involvement in policing has rarely led to sustainable improvements in community safety. Instead, it has often exacerbated tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve, leading to a cycle of violence and distrust. Governor Moore’s stance that the National Guard should not be used for policing aligns with a growing recognition that military personnel, trained for warfare, are ill-equipped to address the nuanced challenges of urban crime. This understanding calls for a shift towards community-focused initiatives rather than the militarization of public safety.
As concerned citizens, there are several actions we can take to engage in this dialogue effectively. First and foremost, we should advocate for policies that prioritize community-based solutions to crime. This includes investing in social services, mental health resources, and educational opportunities, which have proven to tackle the root causes of crime more effectively than force. Engaging with local representatives, attending town hall meetings, and participating in community discussions can amplify the call for holistic approaches to safety and justice. As Moore suggested, genuine conversations about reducing violence should be rooted in evidence-based practices rather than performative displays of military might.
Moreover, public education plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions around crime and policing. Many Americans are unaware of the systemic issues that contribute to crime rates, including poverty, lack of access to education, and systemic racism. By promoting awareness through community forums, social media campaigns, and educational workshops, we can enlighten our communities about the multifaceted nature of crime and the importance of addressing its underlying causes. This educational push can also equip individuals with the language and data needed to challenge right-wing narratives that favor militarization over community care.
In analyzing this national discourse, it is essential to emphasize the successes that states like Maryland have had in reducing crime through innovative governance. Governor Moore's invocation of Maryland's drop in violent crime serves as a compelling argument against the militarization of policing. Sharing these success stories not only bolsters our case against the reliance on military force but also provides a template for other states to follow. Highlighting effective programs that focus on social equity, community engagement, and restorative justice can help shift the narrative toward more constructive approaches to public safety.
In conclusion, the exchange between Wes Moore and Donald Trump is emblematic of a broader ideological struggle over the future of public safety in America. As we engage in this conversation, it is crucial to ground our arguments in historical context, advocate for community-driven solutions, and educate those around us on the complexities of crime. By doing so, we can cultivate a society that values human dignity, prioritizes social justice, and ultimately fosters safer communities. The path forward lies not in the militarization of our streets but in the empowerment of our communities.
The recent dispute between Maryland Governor Wes Moore and former President Donald Trump regarding the use of the National Guard in crime suppression highlights a critical conversation about public safety, policing, and community engagement. Here are some actionable steps that individuals can take to engage with this issue and advocate for a more effective and humane approach to public safety:
### Personal Actions to Take:
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - Stay informed about local and national public safety policies. Share articles, studies, and resources on social media or community forums to raise awareness.
2. **Engage with Local Leaders:** - Attend town hall meetings and community forums to discuss public safety strategies and express your views on the role of the National Guard and police in your community.
3. **Support Community-Based Initiatives:** - Volunteer with or donate to local organizations focused on crime prevention, community policing, or mental health services. For example, support groups like the Baltimore Community Foundation or local youth mentorship programs.
### Advocacy Actions:
1. **Sign and Share Petitions:** - Look for and share petitions that advocate for community-led public safety measures instead of military-style policing. Websites like Change.org often have relevant petitions.
2. **Contact Elected Officials:** - Write to local and state representatives advocating for community-centered approaches to public safety.
**Example Contacts:** - **Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland** - Email: wes.moore@maryland.gov - Mailing Address: State House, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
- **Baltimore City Council** - Email: council@baltimorecity.gov - Mailing Address: 100 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
3. **Sample Letter Template:** - Subject: Support for Community-Centered Public Safety - Dear [Official's Name], - I am writing to express my support for community-based public safety measures and to advocate against the militarization of our local policing efforts. The recent national discussions about the role of the National Guard in urban settings have highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of our approach to crime prevention and community safety. I believe that investing in community resources and programs is essential for reducing violence effectively. - I urge you to prioritize funding for mental health services, youth programs, and community policing initiatives that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. - Thank you for your attention to this important matter. - Sincerely, - [Your Name]
4. **Join or Form Community Groups:** - Collaborate with local advocacy groups focused on criminal justice reform, such as the ACLU or local grassroots organizations. Participate in campaigns that promote alternatives to policing.
5. **Use Social Media for Awareness:** - Utilize platforms like Twitter or Facebook to raise awareness about the implications of using military forces for domestic policing. Share your views on the need for a humane approach to public safety.
6. **Engage with Local Media:** - Write op-eds or letters to the editor for local newspapers discussing the importance of community-led safety initiatives and the potential repercussions of militarized policing.
7. **Participate in Public Safety Forums:** - Attend forums organized by local government or nonprofit organizations discussing public safety and policing. Ask questions and provide input on community concerns.
By taking these actions, you can contribute to advocating for a more thoughtful and community-focused approach to public safety while also holding leaders accountable for their policies. Engaging in dialogue and promoting community solutions is essential in shaping a safer and more equitable society.