Maryland Governor Wes Moore, touted by Democrats as a possible contender for 2028, is under fire for something that goes to the heart of his credibility: a long-standing false claim about a Bronze Star medal.
The issue resurfaced recently as Moore sparred with President Trump over crime in Baltimore. But instead of focusing on policy, Moore found himself on defense after Fox News host Will Cain pressed him on why he misrepresented his military record nearly two decades ago.
For the record, here’s a timeline of how Moore benefited from the false claim for almost two decades until the Biden administration officially awarded it in 2024 to cover Moore’s claims:
- 1996–2014: Moore served in the Army Reserve
- 2005–2006: Deployed to Afghanistan from August to March
- 2006: Applied for a White House fellowship and falsely claimed he had received both a Bronze Star and a Combat Action Badge — honors he had not earned
- 2006–2024: The claim went uncorrected while Moore benefited from the reputation of being a Bronze Star recipient
- 2024: As governor, 18 years after serving, Moore was officially awarded the Bronze Star
- 2025: Pressed on Fox News, Moore repeatedly sidestepped questions about the false claim, instead reciting his service record
Dodging the Question
Cain’s point was simple: “You would know if you got the Bronze Star.” But instead of addressing why he let the false claim stand for so long, Moore evaded. He reminded viewers of his service in Afghanistan and insisted he was “very proud” of his record, which is a non-answer.
Even the Pentagon has suggested Moore is a “perfect example of a politician who inflates his resume and hopes no one notices.”
President Trump, who has been hammering Moore over Baltimore’s crime crisis, quickly turned the Bronze Star controversy into a political weapon. Calling it “the end of his political career,” Trump argued that Moore built his rise on a falsehood that undercuts his entire brand.
Why It Matters
Military service commands deep respect, but honesty is just as important. Moore allowing a false claim to linger for almost twenty years is not a slip-up. It’s a case of stolen valor, and rather than admit what he did, he doubled down and lied about it.
For Democrats, Moore is (was?) a possible fresh face who could step onto the national stage in 2028. Instead, he now faces the same problem that has sunk so many politicians before him: credibility.