ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced Sunday, February 15, 2026, that he will skip the upcoming National Governors Association (NGA) meeting at the White House. The decision follows a high-profile escalation in tensions between the Democratic governor and President Donald Trump, who recently excluded Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis from an annual executive dinner.
The snub from the White House, in which the President reportedly labeled Moore “not worthy” of attendance, has sparked a national conversation about the deepening divide between the federal administration and Democratic state leaders. Moore, the 63rd Governor of Maryland and the first Black governor in the state’s 246-year history, dismissed the insults during a recent CBS News appearance, stating he remains focused on the work of his administration rather than social media attacks.
Legislative Friction and National Profile
As Moore enters the final year of his current term, he faces a complex political landscape at home. Despite his rising national profile as a potential 2028 presidential contender, Moore is currently wrestling with a Democrat-led state legislature that has recently defied several of his policy initiatives. On February 11, Moore delivered a wide-ranging State of the State address, emphasizing a push for congressional redistricting and economic competitiveness.
Key highlights of the Moore-Miller administration’s recent efforts include:
- Consumer Savings: The extension of a regional price collar through 2030, projected to save consumers approximately $27 billion.
- Immigration Reform: Moore has been vocal on the national stage regarding the failure of federal immigration systems across multiple administrations, arguing that Congress must act to provide a permanent solution.
- Public Safety: Continued investment in programs designed to make Maryland “safer, more affordable, and more competitive.”
Mixed Signals in Public Approval
Public sentiment regarding Moore’s performance remains a subject of intense debate as the 2026 election cycle looms. Recent polling data presents a divided picture of the Governor’s standing with Maryland voters:
A Gonzales Research poll conducted in early 2026 shows Moore’s approval rating at 51.7%, a significant drop from his previous high of 64%. However, other surveys suggest Moore remains one of the most popular Democratic governors in the country, with roughly half of Maryland voters indicating they would support him for a second term. Analysts note that while his “approve-disapprove” numbers are tightening, he still maintains a lead in hypothetical matchups against former Governor Larry Hogan.
From Combat Veteran to Governor
Before his historic election in 2022, Wes Moore built a diverse career as a U.S. Army combat veteran, Rhodes Scholar, and bestselling author of The Other Wes Moore. He previously served as the CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations. This background in social entrepreneurship has remained a cornerstone of his “Leave No One Behind” governing philosophy, even as he navigates the volatile waters of 2026 American politics.
As the NGA meeting proceeds without Maryland’s representation, all eyes remain on Annapolis to see how Moore balances his local legislative challenges with his growing role as a leading voice for the national Democratic Party.