HAGERSTOWN, Md. (WBFF) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is publicly demanding “transparency” from federal officials while continuing to withhold key records about his own military service and background – an unresolved issue that is drawing renewed scrutiny.
The tension surfaced Monday in Hagerstown, where Moore criticized what he called a “consistent lack of transparency” from the federal government, even as his administration has yet to release full documentation tied to his military record, academic history, and prior credentials – records Spotlight on Maryland has requested for months.
Moore’s comments came during a closed roundtable with a vetted group of supporters opposing a proposed immigration detention center. Most of the event took place after members of the news media were asked to leave so attendees could “speak freely,” despite several participants speaking publicly at the outset.
Following the event, Spotlight on Maryland pressed Moore directly on whether he would release his full military record from his service in the U.S. Army.
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 18: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is interviewed by David Rubenstein alongside Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Economic Club on February 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. As Chair and Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, Stitt and Moore discussed the NGA’s bipartisan “Reigniting the American Dream” initiative. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
During Spotlight on Maryland’s questioning of Moore about his persistently hidden records, a March column by Armstrong Williams was referenced, calling on the governor to “tell the truth and release the facts.” Williams is the co-owner of The Baltimore Sun and a longtime friend of Moore, dating back to before Moore’s time in public office.
We continue to show transparency on everything and all things,” Moore said.
Spotlight on Maryland has obtained about 32 pages of Moore’s record through a public information request with the Army. Spotlight has called on Moore to be transparent and release all the documents.
ALSO READ | Maryland Gov. Wes Moore faces scrutiny over biography amid clash with President Trump
When asked why only a limited portion of the records had been released, Moore did not answer. Instead, he looked to his senior press secretary, Ammar Moussa, a former rapid-response spokesperson for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
Moussa said the Moore administration would provide additional information, describing purported ongoing discussions with Spotlight on Maryland as “active negotiations.”
“Our team and your team are in active negotiations and we will come back to you,” Moussa said.
That characterization was false. Spotlight on Maryland does not negotiate its routine reporting.
Spotlight on Maryland’s email exchange with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s press office, requesting the full release of the state’s chief executive’s military and academic records. (Spotlight on Maryland)
Under the federal Privacy Act, military personnel files are generally not released without the written consent of the individual who served – meaning Moore can authorize their release.
Other public officials have voluntarily released extensive records to address questions about their service.
ALSO READ | Wes Moore defends claims that he’s not from Baltimore: ‘I don’t think I misled the public’
President George W. Bush released more than 700 pages of his military records during his reelection campaign in February 2004, according to federal Freedom of Information Act records.
Later, then-Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, released his comprehensive military records from the Vietnam War to quash questions about his combat actions and to confirm his receipt of a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, according to widespread reporting during that campaign cycle.
More recently, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released more than 100 pages of their respective military records.
After Monday’s exchange, Spotlight on Maryland sent a formal request to Moore’s office seeking a signed authorization allowing full access to his military records.
The request also asked Moore to authorize the release of academic records from institutions the governor attended: Valley Forge Military Academy, Johns Hopkins University, and Oxford University’s Wolfson College.
Spotlight on Maryland also requested that the governor authorize the release of all documentation related to Moore’s prior White House fellowship.
ALSO READ | Wes Moore pressed about Baltimore-roots narrative: ‘I’m a Baltimorean by choice’
Such disclosures are commonly made by public officials to verify credentials and establish public trust.
A day after that request, Moussa backtracked on his prior commitment made in Hagerstown, questioning why the records were needed and what “news value” they would provide.
The exchange marks the latest development in a series of long-running questions about Moore’s public biography that date back to his 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
In May of that year, FOX45 News first reported that Moore had not received a Bronze Star, despite years of public references describing him as a recipient of the distinguished military honor.
The discrepancy prompted broader scrutiny of Moore’s biography and prior statements, including interviews and public appearances in which the award was cited without correction from the rising political star.
ALSO READ | Gov. Moore addresses questions about academic record while at Oxford University
Days after FOX45 News’s report on the Bronze Star, Moore addressed the controversy during an interview on WBAL NewsRadio, claiming that he had been “very transparent” about his life and career, defending his record of public service.
The gubernatorial candidate also claimed that FOX45 News and its parent company Sinclair Broadcast Group were involved in a “right-wing” conspiracy. One of the radio show’s hosts responded by pointing out similar reporting in Baltimore media that some view as progressive.
In August 2024, more than two years later, Moore said he made “an honest mistake” by letting references to him having a Bronze Star go uncorrected, despite the claims persisting for two decades beforehand.
Moore has since been awarded the Bronze Star and received the honor during a private ceremony at Government House during the final months of the Biden administration, according to a release from Moore’s office after the event.
FILE: A bronze star hangs from a U.S. Army uniform
Meanwhile, questions about the accuracy and completeness of Moore’s biography have gone beyond his military record to include his academic work, sports achievements, and professional history, all of which are usually documented through records that can be independently verified but remain unreleased.
As of this reporting, Moore’s office has not provided a timeline for releasing additional documentation related to any of those aspects of his background, despite his reelection efforts being actively underway.
The issue has also generated continued public reaction, including comments on the governor’s social media accounts questioning his credibility and calling for greater transparency.
Send news tips about this story or others to gmcollins@sbgtv.com or contact Spotlight on Maryland’s hotline at (410) 467-4670.
Follow Gary Collins on X and Instagram. Spotlight on Maryland is a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, D.C., and The Baltimore Sun.
Local Story
