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Trump Snubs Governor Moore; He Stands Firm

2/17/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Center

Moore Defends Worthiness

U.S. President Donald Trump excluded Maryland Governor Wes Moore from a White House dinner, calling him "not worthy."
Maryland Governor Wes Moore replied that his worthiness is determined by God and the people of Maryland, not by Trump.
Moore said he would not attend if the meeting devolved into name-calling.
The incident occurred ahead of the National Governors Association annual conference on February 19–21, 2026, in Washington.

Left

Moore Critiques Trump

Maryland Governor Wes Moore refrained from labeling U.S. President Donald Trump racist, but said the video harmed Black communities and reflected a broader pattern harming people of color.
U.S. President Donald Trump deleted the video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama after it circulated.
Barack Obama criticized the White House's decorum in response.
The fallout continues as U.S. President Donald Trump faces challenges ahead of the 2026 midterms.

History

Historical Context

The exclusion of Black leaders from political events, highlighted in 2016 by the NAACP's report that only 13% of elected officials were Black, reflects ongoing racial disparities in U.S. politics. This trend continues with Maryland Governor Wes Moore's exclusion by President Trump, underscoring the persistent struggle for representation and respect for Black leaders as the 2026 midterms approach.

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Moore Defends Worthiness

U.S. President Donald Trump excluded Maryland Governor Wes Moore from a White House dinner, calling him "not worthy."
Maryland Governor Wes Moore replied that his worthiness is determined by God and the people of Maryland, not by Trump.
Moore said he would not attend if the meeting devolved into name-calling.
The incident occurred ahead of the National Governors Association annual conference on February 19–21, 2026, in Washington.

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