Maryland Governor Wes Moore is dealing with the fallout from a New York Times report revealing that he falsely claimed to have received the Bronze Star, a military decoration, in his 2006 application for a White House fellowship.
According to the Times, Moore, an Army veteran, listed the Bronze Star on his fellowship application despite not having received it. According to the report, Moore, then 27, included the award based on advice from his deputy brigade commander, who recommended him for the commendation and believed it had been approved by senior officers.
Moore, who was serving in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division at the time, issued a statement acknowledging the error and expressing regret for not correcting the record. He explained that he included the Bronze Star on the application based on the understanding that it had been granted, following guidance from his superiors. Moore said that he learned the medal had not been awarded towards the end of his deployment and moved on as he transitioned to civilian life.
The governor’s statement emphasized that the inclusion of the medal was a misunderstanding rather than an intentional misrepresentation. Moore also noted that he had been open about his military service throughout his career and expressed regret for not addressing the mistake sooner.
The controversy has emerged during a period of heightened scrutiny for Moore, who has recently gained national attention. As a rising Democratic figure, his administration has faced increased visibilit.
Moore’s statement also drew a parallel to other recent controversies involving political figures and military service, including criticism of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Moore defended his integrity, asserting that the focus should remain on his commitment to public service.
With input from Axios, New York Post and the Hill.
