Maryland’s Patapsco River shipyard is set to host a high‑profile unveiling of a new multi‑billion‑dollar submarine‑manufacturing project, but Governor Wes Moore will not be on the speaking roster. A White House official confirmed that President Trump invited the governor to attend as a guest, but declined to allow him a speaking role.
Federal investment and local jobs
The Navy has awarded defense‑technology firm Anduril a $2.9 billion contract to produce components for Virginia‑class submarines at a former steel plant on the Patapsco River. The project is expected to create thousands of permanent jobs in Baltimore County and restore a critical manufacturing capability to the region.
President Trump plans to travel to the facility on Tuesday afternoon to highlight the investment and its impact on American workers. In a statement, a White House spokesperson praised the deal, noting that it will bring “sorely needed jobs back to the state thanks to President Trump.”
Governor’s reaction
Governor Moore, who helped negotiate the Anduril deal, expressed disappointment. “If the president of the United States wants to bring the circus in town and tell me that I’m not allowed to speak, despite the fact we were the ones that helped bring the deal, then I will let the circus be conducted while I go back to the work of the people of Maryland,” he told reporters.
Moore’s office reiterated his commitment to working with anyone who can deliver for Marylanders, adding that he will “bow to no one when it comes to standing up for them.” The governor also praised the expected influx of permanent jobs, saying the state is “proud to welcome Anduril to Baltimore County.”
Context of the dispute
The disagreement follows a pattern of tension between the two leaders. Last year, President Trump attempted to bar Governor Moore from a White House governors’ dinner, a move that was widely reported as part of an acrimonious history between the two.
Moore is considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race, and his exclusion from the speaking lineup underscores the partisan divide that can surface even when both sides agree on the economic benefits of a project.
Local impact
Community leaders and business groups in Maryland have welcomed the Anduril contract, emphasizing the boost to the local economy and the strategic importance of expanding domestic submarine production. The project aligns with broader national defense goals and reinforces the region’s role in the defense supply chain.
While the governor will not address the crowd, the event is expected to draw local officials, industry representatives, and members of the public eager to see the future of American shipbuilding.
What’s next
President Trump’s visit and remarks are slated for Tuesday afternoon, focusing on the partnership between the federal government and private industry to create jobs and strengthen national security. The administration’s decision to limit the governor’s speaking role has sparked criticism from Democratic officials, but the White House maintains that the invitation was extended in a “gracious” manner.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
