Wes Moore lays out his vision for America

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is preparing to challenge President Donald Trump with a major speech on patriotism this Independence Day. Moore’s address, scheduled for July Fourth at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, is intended to provide a counter-narrative to Trump’s planned “spectacular TRUMP RALLY” billed as a “TRIBUTE TO AMERICA.”

In a discussion with POLITICO, Moore expressed his belief that Trump will focus on self-promotion during the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, whereas Moore believes America deserves a more meaningful message. “The president is incapable of meeting the moment,” Moore stated.

Moore’s address, titled “The Work of Patriotism,” is set to emphasize that Democrats should not concede the concept of patriotism to Trump. According to his press secretary, Ammar Moussa, Moore will argue that true patriotism involves love for the country rather than loyalty to an individual, party, or spectacle.

Moore plans to differentiate patriotism from nationalism, highlighting that the latter is about loyalty to a person or movement, while patriotism is about devotion to the nation and its people, Moussa explained. According to a draft of his speech, Moore will declare, “We are a nation of strength because we are a nation of sacrifice.”

Despite the apparent opposition to Trump, Moore insists he is not positioning himself against the president. “I’m trying to be a foil to darkness,” Moore remarked. “I believe strongly that we need a future-facing vision for this nation.”

Moore’s increasing public profile aligns with his upcoming speech. He has been featured in various podcasts and new media outlets. Following his speech, he is scheduled to appear on Jubilee’s “Surrounded,” a platform that has hosted notable Democratic figures like Pete Buttigieg, James Talarico, and Ro Khanna.

On Saturday, Moore will travel to Michigan, a critical battleground state, to support gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson in key areas such as Detroit, Saginaw, and Flint.

Moore has expressed his commitment to his 2026 reelection campaign, stating, “I’m hungry, but I’m not thirsty,” during a POLITICO interview with Jonathan Martin.

Moore also shared his perspective on the recent progressive victories in New York’s primaries, suggesting that this energy could benefit Democrats in 2028. He noted the success of his “Leave No One Behind” slate in Maryland, where he endorsed around 200 candidates, with a 93 percent success rate according to his advisers.

Moore observed that the candidates he supported share a common goal: challenging the status quo.

Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICO’s Playbook newsletter.