Maryland Governor Responds to Trump’s Criticism

Maryland’s Democratic Governor, Wes Moore, found himself at the center of controversy after President Donald Trump criticized him on Sunday. Trump claimed Moore was misunderstanding the situation in Baltimore, which he described as afflicted by “out-of-control crime.”

Moore didn’t take the remarks lightly. After Trump implemented a federal takeover in Washington, D.C., along with plans to tackle violent crimes, Moore challenged him directly, saying he should spend time understanding what the state is doing instead of making snide remarks about Baltimore.

In a speech on Thursday, Moore stated, “I want to be very clear—if you don’t want to be part of the solution, then keep our names out of your mouth.”

“Specifically, Donald Trump. If you aren’t willing to walk in our community, then keep our names from your mouth,” he added.

In response to Moore’s confrontational remarks, Trump threatened to reconsider federal funds allocated to the state for repairing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had collapsed following an incident involving a cargo ship in March 2024.

Trump remarked, “Wes Moore asked me in a rather troublesome tone to walk the streets of Maryland with him. I think he’s referring to the rampant crime in Baltimore.”

The President continued to defend the National Guard and local police for working to keep Washington, D.C. safe amid rising crime and homelessness, attributing these issues to the policies of Democratic leadership.

Trump further asserted that “Wes Moore’s crime record is very bad unless he’s just manipulating the numbers like many Democratic-led states. If he needs help, like he did in L.A., I’ll send in the troops from nearby D.C.—it’s ranked as the 4th worst city for crime and murder,” he noted.

“Stop talking and get to work, Wes. Then we’ll see you on the streets! I’ve also given a lot of money to help repair your damaged bridge. Do I need to rethink that now?”

Shortly after, Moore responded to Trump’s remarks on social media, referring to him playfully as “President Bonespurs.”

Moore quipped, “President Bonespurs will do anything to avoid walking, even if it means lying about Maryland’s progress in public safety. If it makes it easier for you, Donald, should we get you a golf cart? Just let my team know.”

The nickname “President Bonespurs” was initially popularized by Senator Tammy Duckworth, referring to a physical condition that can limit mobility.

Baltimore has long faced challenges with high crime rates, currently ranked as the fourth most dangerous city in the U.S., behind Memphis, Oakland, and St. Louis, according to 2025 data from the FBI. Additionally, the city reports the fifth-highest homicide rate nationwide at 34.8 per 100,000 residents, based on an analysis by Axios.