Podcast Summary: "Gov. Wes Moore Talks Trump, Democrats, DOGE — and Running in 2028?"

On with Kara Swisher
Host: Kara Swisher
Guest: Governor Wes Moore of Maryland
Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of On with Kara Swisher, host Kara Swisher sits down with Maryland Governor Wes Moore to discuss a range of pressing topics, including the impact of the Trump administration, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and Moore's potential future political ambitions. Governor Moore, a former combat veteran and investment banker, brings a wealth of experience and a compelling personal story to the conversation.

Assessing the Trump Administration's Impact

Kara initiates the discussion by addressing President Trump's 100-day mark in office and his declining approval ratings. She inquires about Moore's perspective on the current political landscape compared to Trump's inauguration.

Governor Moore emphasizes the tangible effects of the Trump administration on Maryland:

"Donald Trump was a vessel for the frustration, but he is not a vehicle for the solution. [04:15]"

He highlights issues such as economic instability, rising prices, and the retreat of allies, underscoring the administration's ideological leadership devoid of actionable solutions.

Due Process and the Rule of Law

The conversation shifts to the deportation case of Armando Abrego Garcia. Kara references a YouGov survey indicating Republican opposition to complying with Supreme Court orders in this case.

Governor Moore simplifies the debate to the core principle of following the law:

"Do you believe that we should follow the law? Right. It's just basically that simple. [06:49]"

He staunchly defends due process, insisting that decisions should be left to judicial authorities rather than unilateral executive actions by the President.

Impact of DOGE and Federal Cuts on Maryland

Maryland's significant reliance on federal jobs makes it particularly susceptible to administrative changes under Trump. Kara probes into how Governor Moore is addressing these challenges.

Governor Moore outlines Maryland's proactive measures:

"Maryland has been the most aggressive state in the country in being able to make sure that our federal workers are protected and actually streamlining our federal workers into occupations where there are available jobs within the state... [10:50]"

He details initiatives to retrain and redeploy federal employees into sectors like healthcare and education, mitigating the adverse effects of federal budget cuts.

Partnership vs. Transactional Politics

Kara questions Moore's evolving stance on partnership with the Trump administration, noting his shift from seeking common ground to a more confrontational approach.

Governor Moore responds by rejecting transactional politics:

"I have a real distaste for the transactional nature of politics. I don't do transactional like that. [34:33]"

He emphasizes the importance of reciprocal partnerships and criticizes one-sided political agreements that undermine state interests.

Achievements and Initiatives in Maryland

Highlighting Maryland's successes under his leadership, Moore discusses significant policy reforms and investments.

• Tax Reform:

  "We've been able to give the middle class a tax cut that for 94% of people in our state they either got a tax cut or saw no change in their taxes at all. [25:05]"

• Budget Cuts and Investments:

  "We ended up cutting around two and a half billion dollars, the largest cut that Maryland has made in its budget in 16 years, while making historic investments in public education and public safety. [25:39]"

• Public Safety Improvements:

  "Baltimore City, Maryland now has amongst the most impressive drops in violent crime that we have seen over the past two and a half years. [23:01]"

These initiatives demonstrate Moore's focus on delivering tangible results for Maryland residents.

Engaging Young Men and Bridging Cultural Gaps

Addressing the Democratic Party's struggle to connect with young men, Governor Moore shares strategies to bridge this cultural divide.

Governor Moore explains his authentic engagement approach:

"When I'm out talking to young boys, it's because they know it's authentic. They know it's real... [28:42]"

He emphasizes genuine interactions and addressing specific needs through programs like Thrive, which supports young men in the juvenile justice system, and incentivizing male participation in healthcare and education sectors.

Comparing Approaches of Fellow Governors

Kara prompts Moore to comment on the strategies of other Democratic governors like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer.

Governor Moore offers candid feedback:

"I didn't listen to it. [31:34]"

He maintains his distinct approach, focusing on results and authentic leadership rather than adopting styles that may not resonate with his constituents.

Crisis Management and Infrastructure Projects

Discussing the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Moore highlights Maryland's effective crisis response and bipartisan support for infrastructure rebuilding.

Governor Moore praises the swift action taken:

"We were able to clear the federal channel in 11 weeks, completing a task that was initially projected to take 11 months. [41:09]"

He assures that the reconstruction will adhere to updated safety standards, emphasizing Maryland's leadership in managing such crises.

Future Ambitions and Project 2029

While initially clarifying he is not running for president, Moore reflects on Maryland's accomplishments as a potential blueprint for national progress.

Governor Moore outlines key priorities that could influence a broader political agenda:

"Increase housing options, have a strong public education system, increase economic opportunities and apprenticeship programs... [47:09]"

He advocates for bold actions to address systemic issues, urging leaders to focus on delivering substantial results for their communities.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Governor Moore reaffirming his commitment to Maryland and his vision for impactful governance. Kara Swisher wraps up the conversation, acknowledging Moore's dedication and the insightful discussion on navigating political challenges and delivering state-level successes.

Notable Quotes:

• On Trump's Administration:
  "Donald Trump was a vessel for the frustration, but he is not a vehicle for the solution." [04:15]

• On Due Process:
  "Do you believe that we should follow the law? Right. It's just basically that simple." [06:49]

• On Partnership in Politics:
  "I have a real distaste for the transactional nature of politics. I don't do transactional like that." [34:33]

• On Authentic Engagement:
  "When I'm out talking to young boys, it's because they know it's authentic. They know it's real." [28:42]

• On Crisis Management:
  "We were able to clear the federal channel in 11 weeks, completing a task that was initially projected to take 11 months." [41:09]

Conclusion

Governor Wes Moore offers a comprehensive perspective on the current political climate, Maryland's resilience amidst federal challenges, and strategies for effective governance. His emphasis on authentic leadership, rule of law, and delivering tangible results paints a picture of a leader committed to meaningful progress. This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking insights into contemporary political dynamics and state-level policy successes.