Democratic Governor Wes Moore Acknowledges Trump’s Role in Border Security Efforts

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D), a rising Democratic figure and possible 2028 presidential hopeful, acknowledged during a Friday appearance on Fox News’ Special Report that former President Donald Trump deserves recognition for his administration’s work to tighten border security.

Speaking with host Bret Baier, Moore remarked, “I think we all can agree that a critical part of the solution is making sure our borders are secure and that we’re removing dangerous individuals from our neighborhoods.”

Baier pressed him further: “So you’re saying the Trump administration deserves some credit for that?”

Moore responded, “Yes, absolutely. At the same time, it’s vital we follow constitutional principles while doing so. We’ve seen real efforts to enhance border enforcement, and that is an important step.”

He went on to critique some current enforcement strategies. “But I also question setting fixed numbers, like trying to deport 3,000 people a day, without data to back it up,” Moore said. “This kind of approach doesn’t distinguish between dangerous criminals and ordinary people. In fact, it’s hurting families—like on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where employers say their poultry workers have disappeared, or the case of a single dad from Ecuador with a special-needs child who was just deported.”

The conversation shifted to the topic of healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants, specifically Medicaid coverage. Baier referenced a recent Washington Post article detailing how new federal legislation could cut off Medicaid access for tens of thousands of immigrants in Maryland, including asylum seekers and refugees.

He asked Moore directly, “Are you okay with undocumented immigrants receiving Medicaid in your state?”

Moore responded by highlighting broader healthcare concerns: “What I see is that this new legislation puts about 250,000 people at risk of losing their coverage. It also slashes rural hospital funding by about $250 million across Maryland…”

Baier interrupted to refocus: “Yes, but my question is specific—should people who are here illegally be on Medicaid?”

Moore again pivoted, calling the country’s immigration policy “deeply broken” and emphasizing the need for a full overhaul.

Baier interjected once more: “But we don’t have that right now. These are the policies on the table, and they’re trying to update the rolls.”

Moore didn’t give a firm yes or no, instead arguing that these temporary fixes only cause greater strain. “This just highlights my point—these patchwork solutions are hurting states like ours. If we had real immigration reform, we wouldn’t be relying on these haphazard policies that are so disruptive.”

Baier concluded by saying, “If that major bill hadn’t passed, those 60,000 undocumented immigrants would still be receiving Medicaid in Maryland—and you’d be fine with that?”

Moore didn’t directly answer, instead reaffirming his position: “We’re facing the reality that a quarter million people could lose healthcare now. No state has the capacity to manage that. We still need comprehensive immigration reform—no matter what.”