Nationwide — Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who is Black, said President Trump’s claim that he was “not worthy” to attend a White House dinner would not affect his leadership. Moore called the snub disrespectful but emphasized that his worth comes from God and the people of Maryland, not from Trump.
Trump announced that all U.S. governors would be invited to a White House dinner during the National Governors Association meeting, except for Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. On Truth Social, Trump criticized Moore’s leadership, labeled him “foul-mouthed,” and questioned his military Bronze Star.
In an interview with CBS News, Moore said he is willing to work with anyone but will not bow down to anyone. He said, “If the point of the meeting is to turn it into name-calling… I will not go.”
Moore added, “Respectfully, you do not determine my worthiness. God determines my worthiness. The people of Maryland determine my worthiness. They are who I answer to. Not him.”
Reports show the Trump administration initially considered excluding all Democratic governors from the formal meeting but ultimately only blocked Moore and Polis from attending the dinner.
Most Democratic governors said they would skip the dinner in solidarity. Polis also said that regardless of invitations, he would continue working with other governors to improve people’s lives.