Maryland governor, White House spar over $3.7B submarine investment event

The White House and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) sparred on Tuesday over an event announcing a $3.7 billion investment from the defense contractor Anduril in a Baltimore shipyard to manufacture parts for Virginia-class submarines.

“We have been working with them for over a year to bring them on board, and we’re excited about what it’s going to mean to the area,” Moore told reporters. “But if the president of the United States wants to bring the circus into town and tell me that I’m not allowed to speak to the fact that we were the ones to help bring the deal, then I will let the circus be conducted while I go back to the work of the people of Maryland.

The White House accused Moore earlier on Tuesday of “throwing a tantrum” over the event announcing an investment in a Baltimore shipyard.

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“President Trump is willing to work with anyone to revitalize our manufacturing sector, which is why the White House graciously invited Governor Moore to attend today’s event as a guest,” a White House official told The Hill ahead of the event.

“It’s unfortunate that the Governor is now making a multi-billion-dollar announcement about himself by throwing a tantrum over an announcement that will bring sorely needed jobs back to his state thanks to President Trump,” they added.

A source familiar said earlier on Tuesday that Trump had “ blocked ” Moore from speaking at the event, at which Trump is set to give remarks.

“Governor Moore has always said he will work with anyone when it comes to delivering for Marylanders but bow to no one when it comes to standing up for them,” a spokesperson for the governor said.

“The governor is proud to welcome Anduril to Baltimore County and the thousands of permanent jobs this investment is bringing to our state,” they continued.

Moore was not the only Democrat from the state planning to miss Tuesday’s event. A source familiar told The Hill’s sister network NewsNation that Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is unable to attend the event due “prior engagements.”

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) said in an interview with CNN from North Carolina on Tuesday that Trump should not get credit for the project.

“Absolutely not,” Alsobrooks said, adding, “Baltimore is strong on its face.”

Moore, who has been floated as a potential Democratic 2028 presidential contender , has sparred with the president in the past.

Anduril is investing in a new shipyard in Sparrows Point, Baltimore, where it will manufacture parts for Virginia-class submarines.

A senior administration official told reporters during a call Tuesday that $2.9 billion for the facility will come from the Pentagon and the Trump administration expects the funding to fit into the regular budget process.

Moore celebrated the project in a statement Tuesday.

“This massive new project will deliver the largest private investment and create the most jobs in Maryland in over a decade — driving billions of dollars in economic activity that will boost Maryland families not just in Baltimore County, but throughout the state,” he wrote.

“With this facility, thousands of Marylanders will have new pathways to work, wages, and wealth through advanced training and high-skilled maritime manufacturing jobs,” the governor added.