Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who many consider to have presidential aspirations, is standing firm on his account of his family’s history involving the Ku Klux Klan in South Carolina, even as some reports raise doubts about the specifics. Responding to these inquiries, Moore stated, “It’s hurtful and offensive.”
Earlier this month, a piece by a certain outlet challenged Moore’s claim that his grandfather and great-grandfather were compelled to flee South Carolina due to Klan threats. Moore asserted, “I know my family’s history. I know that James Joshua Thomas was born in South Carolina, was chased by the Ku Klux Klan as a toddler, picked up by his family, immigrated to Jamaica, came back to this country, and became the first black pastor in the history of the Dutch Reformed Church.”
He often mentions his maternal grandfather, James Thomas, touting his story in various instances. During a podcast appearance in 2020, Moore recounted how his great-grandfather, a pastor in Winnsboro, South Carolina, had to escape to Jamaica following Klan threats.
Nonetheless, the Free Beacon report questions this narrative, suggesting that records from the Protestant Episcopal Church and newspaper articles from that time depict Thomas’s relocation as a routine transfer rather than a dramatic escape. Additionally, historical accounts from the diocese imply that the community actually appreciated Thomas’ church’s medical services, with no evidence of Klan interference.
Interestingly, Moore pointed out that threats did arise only after Thomas became the first black pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church. “He stuck around because… he was probably the most patriotic American I’ve ever met,” Moore said, expressing his distress over the “hurtful” online attacks on his grandfather’s legacy. He added, “If they have questions about the Ku Klux Klan’s activities in South Carolina in the 1920s, don’t ask me, ask the Ku Klux Klan.”
Moore has faced other challenges regarding inconsistencies in his background. Recently, CBS’ Norah O’Donnell confronted him about discrepancies related to his time at Oxford University, questioning the absence of his paper. Moore responded, “I think Oxford said I got my degree. That’s undeniable.”
In September, Moore claimed he’s “not running” for president in 2028 but remains eager to focus on completing a full term if re-elected in November, even as speculation about his future ambitions continues.
