Washington — President Donald Trump escalated the Wes Moore Trump feud on August 24, 2025, by threatening to deploy federal troops to Baltimore and reconsider funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction in a social media post responding to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s invitation to visit the city. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over crime policies and federal interventions in Democratic-led cities.
Trump’s post on Truth Social accused Moore of a nasty and provocative tone in inviting him to walk Baltimore’s streets, claiming the city ranks as the fourth-worst for crime and murder. He suggested sending in troops to clean up crime, similar to deployments in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and implied Moore might have misrepresented his Bronze Star award from Army service in Afghanistan. Trump also noted he provided substantial funds for the bridge, which collapsed in March 2024 after a cargo ship strike, and would rethink that decision.
Moore responded on X, formerly Twitter, calling Trump President Bone Spurs — a reference to Trump’s Vietnam draft deferments for bone spurs — and offering a golf cart for the visit to avoid walking. “President Bone Spurs will do anything to get out of walking – even if that means spouting off more lies about the progress we’re making on public safety in Maryland,” Moore wrote. “Hey Donald, we can get you a golf cart if that makes things easier. Just let my team know.”
The Wes Moore Trump feud began earlier in August when Moore criticized Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents to D.C. as unconstitutional and performative. On August 21, Moore invited Trump, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and local officials for a public safety walk in Baltimore to showcase data-backed reductions in violent crime. Moore emphasized partnerships and solutions driving drops in homicides and nonfatal shootings.
Baltimore has seen significant crime reductions under Moore’s administration since 2023, with homicides down more than 30% and nonfatal shootings reduced by over 40% as of mid-2025, according to city data. The city recorded its fewest homicides year-to-date in 2025. However, quality-of-life crimes like auto thefts and break-ins remain concerns for residents. Moore has highlighted these improvements as evidence of effective local strategies, contrasting with Trump’s federal approach.
Trump’s threats in the Wes Moore Trump feud extend to the Key Bridge, where Congress approved full federal funding on a bipartisan basis in late 2024, before Trump’s current term. Reconstruction is underway, and experts question whether Trump can unilaterally withhold the funds, given legal constraints on revoking congressionally approved expenditures. Political analyst John Dedie warned that such rhetoric could cost Marylanders, as the project supports the national economy.
Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor and a U.S. Army veteran, is viewed as a rising Democratic star with potential 2028 presidential ambitions. The Wes Moore Trump feud has drawn comparisons to Trump’s clashes with other Democrats like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom Trump nicknamed Gavin Newscum in his post. Moore has stated he is focused on his 2026 reelection, not higher office.
In a CBS Face the Nation interview on August 24, Moore accused Trump of using scare tactics and blissful ignorance, emphasizing root causes like the racial wealth gap and historic redlining. Rev. Al Sharpton criticized Trump’s selective interventions, noting he targets cities with Black mayors while ignoring others with higher crime rates.
The Wes Moore Trump feud reflects broader national debates on crime, with Trump expanding National Guard deployments to Democratic strongholds like Chicago and New York. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson rejected the idea, calling it political. Trump’s D.C. deployment, involving troops from several states including Maryland, has faced backlash for costs and effectiveness.
For Maryland residents, including those in Southern Maryland areas like Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, the Wes Moore-Trump feud could impact federal aid for infrastructure and disaster relief, such as the recent Western Maryland flooding. Baltimore’s port, vital to the state’s economy, relies on the Key Bridge for operations affecting regional trade.
Historically, Trump has criticized Baltimore, once calling it a rat and rodent-infested mess during his first term. Moore’s Bronze Star was awarded in 2006 for his Afghanistan service, confirmed by military records. The exchange has sparked discussions on military honors and draft deferments, with Moore’s golf cart offer alluding to Trump’s past health issues.
As the Wes Moore Trump feud continues, both leaders remain focused on their agendas, with Moore prioritizing local partnerships and Trump emphasizing federal crackdowns.
