Trump elevates Maryland’s Moore by picking a fight with him
The Hill
by Julia ManchesterFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump has escalated his feud with Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) by blaming him, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D), and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for a massive wastewater spill in the Potomac River. This incident has further intensified their ongoing political conflict, with Trump accusing Moore of negligence and using the spill as evidence of poor governance. Moore, who is emerging as a potential 2028 presidential contender, has become a key figure in Trump’s latest rhetorical battle, highlighting the growing tensions between federal and state leaders over infrastructure management.
The feud between Trump and Moore reflects broader political dynamics, with Trump often engaging in public disputes to draw attention to his opponents. By targeting Moore, Trump appears to be positioning him as a future electoral threat, similar to how he elevated other Democratic figures like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden during their respective campaigns. This strategy not only elevates Moore’s profile but also frames him as a symbol of Democratic accountability for issues like the wastewater spill.
The incident underscores the challenges of coordinating infrastructure management across state and federal jurisdictions. The Potom
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/21/2026