Full Breakdown
Maryland Governor Wes Moore Faces Declining Approval Amid Criticism of Trump Policies
4/6/2026, 2:55:45 AM
Declining Approval Ratings
Maryland Governor Wes Moore's approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time since he took office in 2023, according to a recent University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) poll. The poll indicates that 48% of Maryland residents approve of Moore's performance, while 42% disapprove, with 9% undecided. This marks a significant decline from 54% approval in October 2024 and 52% in October 2025. Concerns about Moore's leadership and honesty have emerged as key issues among voters, with 27% citing raised taxes and fees as their primary concern, while 24% pointed to poor leadership or dishonesty.
Criticism of Leadership and Trust Issues
Critics have raised alarms over Moore's leadership capabilities, with some calling for a recall due to perceived dishonesty and mismanagement. State Delegate Mark Fisher, a Republican, described Moore's administration as lacking proper leadership, stating, “The wheels aren’t falling off the Moore administration; they were never properly attached in the first place.” Reverend P.M. Smith echoed these sentiments, using the term "lies" to describe the erosion of voter confidence in Moore's leadership. Political analysts caution against overstating these concerns, noting that only a small percentage of voters explicitly cite dishonesty as a reason for disapproval.
Moore's Response to Trump’s Policies
In the context of his declining approval, Moore has publicly criticized President Donald Trump's policies, particularly regarding healthcare and military engagement. During an interview on CBS's “Face the Nation,” Moore labeled Trump's assertion that the U.S. should not fund Medicare while engaged in foreign wars as "nonsense." He emphasized that no state can replace the federal government in providing essential services like healthcare. Moore also expressed concern that the U.S. is "lurching again into another forever war" in Iran without a clear strategy or articulation of success from Trump.
Official Statements & Responses
Moore's administration has defended his record amid the declining approval ratings. Olivia Davis, spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, stated that Moore has widespread support for his efforts in Maryland, contrasting his leadership with Trump's policies that have led to increased costs for residents. Carter Elliott IV, a senior communications adviser for Moore, pointed to the negative impact of Trump's administration on Maryland's economy, citing job losses and rising prices for essential goods.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Moore's supporters argue that his challenges stem from external factors, critics within the Maryland legislature highlight his inability to advance key legislative priorities, such as the Housing for Jobs Act and a congressional redistricting plan. The UMBC poll also revealed that 76% of respondents rated the state's economic conditions as "poor" or "fair," indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “And that’s not what any of us want. We don’t want to be fighting foreign wars while you’re taking away our health care.” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
- “The wheels aren’t falling off the Moore administration; they were never properly attached in the first place,” Fisher said.” — Mark Fisher, State Delegate
- “Moore has widespread support for his record of getting things done in Maryland,” said Davis, in part.” — Olivia Davis, DGA Spokesperson
- “I feel like we are lurching into another one of these forever wars that we’re asking the American people to pay for…” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
As Moore navigates these challenges, his administration's ability to address public concerns and restore confidence will be crucial as he approaches the upcoming election.
