SUN: Do the records match Wes Moore’s story? Spotlight on Maryland investigates

A new statewide poll shows a growing number of Marylanders disapprove of Gov. Wes Moore’s leadership, with some citing dishonesty.

At the same time, a yearlong investigation by Spotlight on Maryland has found gaps, discrepancies and unanswered questions in the personal and professional story Moore has used to build his public image.

The findings come as criticism of the governor is no longer limited to political opponents.

Baltimore pastor P.M. Smith recently described Moore as “pathological” in his handling of the truth, claiming he “lies.” Armstrong Williams, co-owner of The Baltimore Sun and a longtime friend of Moore, publicly urged the governor to “tell the truth and release the facts.”

Instead, the governor has repeatedly declined to release full records, refused repeated requests for a sit-down interview and left dozens of detailed questions unanswered — even as Moore promotes transparency as a defining principle of his administration.

What Spotlight reviewed and will show

This investigation is built on a simple premise that public trust depends on verifiable truth. Over the past year, Spotlight on Maryland examined:

• Thousands of pages of state and federal records obtained through the Maryland Public Information Act and the Freedom of Information Act;
• Two decades’ worth of Moore’s public statements, speeches and interviews;
• Archival reporting and application materials;
• Interviews with a range of sources and subject-matter experts;
• Direct responses and non-responses from the governor’s office.

The reporting goes beyond Moore’s official resume. It tests the full narrative he has presented to the public — about his military service, athletic achievements and leadership — and compares it against what can be independently verified.

In the coming days and weeks, Spotlight on Maryland will publish a series of reports examining Moore’s life, from 1996 to the present, and dissecting what he has said that may not be true. The sweeping investigation includes:

Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun’s website.