Before a single investigative report from The Baltimore Sun surfaced, Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s office launched a preemptive attack, branding the paper’s new ownership as “right-wing” and aligned with Donald Trump. This aggressive response immediately cast a shadow over the impending scrutiny of Moore’s past.
The Sun, recently acquired by Sinclair executive chairman David D. Smith, was preparing to delve into Moore’s military service, athletic background, and other aspects of his history. The governor’s team, however, chose confrontation, attempting to discredit the investigation before it even began.
In a striking interview, Moore lamented the loss of The Baltimore Sun as a trusted source, claiming it had become a mouthpiece for the right. He characterized the new owner as a “MAGA billionaire” seeking favor with Trump, weaponizing a once-respected institution.
This accusation ignited a swift rebuttal from Candy Woodall, managing editor of Spotlight on Maryland, a collaborative investigative unit linked to Sinclair. Woodall questioned the intense effort to discredit the reporting *before* its release, suggesting a motive to conceal information.
Woodall revealed that Moore’s office allegedly threatened to flood the media with damaging files in an attempt to undermine her investigation. This echoed a similar tactic used in 2022 when questions arose about Moore’s claim of having received a Bronze Star before it was officially awarded.
The Bronze Star issue, previously downplayed as an “honest mistake” after scrutiny from The New York Times, resurfaced as a focal point. Moore had initially listed the award on a fellowship application prior to its conferral, a detail that sparked initial controversy.
Moore’s explanation centered on advice from a superior officer who encouraged him to apply for both the fellowship and the Bronze Star simultaneously. He maintained a strong record of service, with superiors consistently ranking him among the top performers in his unit.
Woodall countered that her team’s loyalty lay with the people of Maryland, not with political figures. She detailed sending hundreds of questions to Moore’s office, receiving only limited responses, and revealed a dismissive comment from a Moore official questioning the legitimacy of Spotlight’s journalism.
The escalating conflict highlighted a fundamental clash: Moore’s attempt to control the narrative versus Spotlight on Maryland’s pursuit of factual reporting. The governor’s press secretary directly questioned the extent of Smith’s influence over the newsrooms of both FOX-45 and The Baltimore Sun.
Further fueling the tension, Moore’s team attacked Spotlight reporter Gary Collins, labeling him a former Republican official working at the direction of Smith. Collins, however, defended his journalistic integrity and continued his reporting.
Collins’ recent work had already begun to scrutinize Moore’s administration, contrasting the governor’s calls for federal transparency with a perceived lack of openness within Annapolis. He also noted the administration’s reluctance to release comprehensive documentation regarding Moore’s background.
Amidst the accusations and counter-accusations, a column penned by a friend and co-owner of The Sun, Armstrong Williams, urged Moore to embrace transparency and release the facts. The situation underscored a growing sense of distrust and a battle for public perception.
The governor’s press secretary escalated the rhetoric, questioning whether Woodall’s lengthy defense was authored by Smith himself. The exchange revealed a deep-seated suspicion and a willingness to engage in direct personal attacks.
The unfolding drama served as a stark reminder of the increasingly fraught relationship between politicians and the press, and the lengths to which both sides will go to shape the narrative. It left Marylanders to question who was truly seeking the truth.
