President Donald Trump blocked Maryland Governor Wes Moore from speaking at a White House event that was set to announce a new manufacturing investment in the Baltimore area. The event, organized by Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, was scheduled for Tuesday at Tradepoint Atlantic, an industrial hub in Central Maryland. Sources indicated that Moore was informed over the weekend that Trump requested his removal from the speaking program.
The White House stated that the "president is willing to work with anyone to revitalize our manufacturing sector," noting that Moore had been invited as a guest. Although Moore will not attend the event, he is expected to speak at a different event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the McLaren Vehicle Processing Center. Anduril declined to comment, referring inquiries to the White House and the governor’s office.
A spokesperson for Moore stated, "Governor Moore has always said he will work with anyone when it comes to delivering for Marylanders but bow to no one when it comes to standing up for them." The governor is currently running for re-election in November and recent polls show him leading over Republican challenger Dan Cox. Moore commented, "If the president of the United States wants to bring the circus into town and tell me that I’m not allowed to speak to the fact that we were the ones that helped bring the deal, then I will let the circus be conducted," while emphasizing his focus on the work for Maryland residents.
Despite Moore's absence, Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf expressed gratitude to Moore and other local leaders for their efforts in facilitating the investment. An industry official mentioned that discussions with the Navy regarding the project began in late 2024 and gained momentum following Trump's executive order earlier this year aimed at increasing shipbuilding.
A White House official remarked, "It’s unfortunate that the Governor is now making a multi-billion dollar announcement about himself by throwing a tantrum over an announcement that will bring sorely needed jobs back to his state thanks to President Trump."
This incident is not the first conflict between Trump and Moore, who is viewed as a rising figure in the Democratic party and a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Trump previously attempted to exclude Moore from a closed-door White House meeting in February with the National Governors Association, but ultimately allowed him to attend after backlash from other governors.
Trump is expected to address the industrial community in Sparrows Point, which was historically home to the largest steel mill in the 1950s. His visit comes amid mixed results regarding his promises to revive American manufacturing, with the U.S. losing approximately 21,000 manufacturing jobs since the beginning of Trump's second term in January 2025, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Residents in Maryland expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic situation. Business owner Steve Kinsinger, who voted for Trump in 2024, stated he did not expect the economy to be in its current state. Truck driver Xavier Teller, who supported Trump, voiced disappointment over unmet expectations regarding his industry. Three-time Trump voter Jack Marszalek acknowledged some unfulfilled promises but attributed local challenges to opposition from the governor and city mayor.
Trump has claimed that the U.S. has gained 72,000 manufacturing jobs since December, although this figure starts from a low point in manufacturing data under his administration. Manufacturing activity has shown signs of recovery, with the S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI indicating its highest growth since May 2022. However, challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising diesel prices due to the conflict with Iran persist. A new shipyard, Arsenal-2, is set to produce components for the Virginia-class submarine, backed by $3.7 billion from Anduril and a $2.9 billion investment from the U.S. Navy.
Anduril's payments from the Navy are reportedly linked to demonstrated production outcomes. The company, co-founded by GOP donor Palmer Luckey, has received over $1.5 billion in government contracts since the start of Trump's second term, surpassing the $1.23 billion received during former President Joe Biden's administration.
Jesse Rodriguez contributed to this report. Akayla Gardner is a White House reporter for MS NOW. Nora McKee is an associate field producer for MS NOW, based in Washington, D.C.