Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been appointed to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group that advises federal officials on national security, disaster response, and military coordination. President Donald Trump announced the appointments on Wednesday, naming Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin as co-chair alongside North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein.
The Council of Governors, formally established in 2010 through the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, serves as a key forum for collaboration between state and federal officials. The council is composed of 10 governors from across the country, representing both major political parties. The selected governors work with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies to ensure that military operations, emergency management, and disaster response efforts align with state and local needs.
For Moore, this appointment provides an opportunity to strengthen Maryland’s role in national security initiatives while advocating for the state’s military installations, National Guard units, and emergency preparedness strategies. Maryland is home to major military facilities, including Fort Meade, the U.S. Naval Academy, and Aberdeen Proving Ground, making the state a critical player in defense and security operations.
As a Democratic governor serving in a bipartisan council, Moore will be responsible for helping shape policies that impact the National Guard, cybersecurity, disaster relief, and military readiness at the state level. His background in military service—having been a captain in the U.S. Army and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan—positions him as a knowledgeable voice on defense-related matters.
The council will focus on improving coordination between the federal government and state leaders in responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, cyber threats, and national security challenges. Governors on the council play a crucial role in ensuring that their states have the necessary resources to handle emergencies effectively while also working on policies related to military integration within their respective states.
Moore joins a diverse group of governors on the council, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. With his appointment, Maryland will have a direct voice in shaping national policies related to disaster preparedness and military operations.
As Maryland continues to prioritize military support and emergency response capabilities, Moore’s involvement in the Council of Governors will allow him to advocate for increased funding, improved military-state collaboration, and stronger disaster relief measures. His leadership in this role will help ensure that Maryland’s military personnel, emergency responders, and residents are well-supported in times of crisis.
