Wes Moore shouldn't poke the federal bear

Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 13:15 GMT by The Baltimore Sun
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Wes Moore, Trump, and the “Keep Our Name” Moment – A Deep Dive into Maryland’s Latest Political Drama

On the evening of August 25, the Baltimore Sun published a feature that, on the surface, appeared to be a straightforward profile of former Baltimore County Executive Wes Moore. Beneath the headlines, however, lay a complex, almost theatrical episode that fused a local political showdown with a national partisan spat, and it all hinged on a phrase that has become an unexpected rally‑cry: “Keep Our Name.”

The “Keep Our Name” Moment: Context and Origin

In the months leading up to the article, the Maryland legislature had been debating a bill that would rename a number of streets and public spaces in Baltimore and the surrounding counties that bore the names of figures with Confederate ties or who had been involved in the slave‑owning regime. The bill, championed by Moore and his allies, was dubbed informally the “Keep Our Name” initiative. The name was chosen to reflect the desire to preserve a community’s cultural heritage while also to correct the historical record.

During a televised debate on the bill, Moore famously declared, “When we say ‘Keep Our Name,’ we’re not talking about the past. We’re talking about the future—about ensuring that the names on our maps and in our schools reflect the people who built this city, the people who keep it thriving.” The phrase was quickly picked up by local activists and, unexpectedly, by a group of national Republicans who saw the debate as a chance to reach out to black voters.

Trump’s Unexpected Interjection

The article’s most surprising element was Donald Trump’s interjection. At a Trump rally in Washington, D.C., the former president issued a brief statement on social media in which he said, “Let’s keep our name—keep it American. It’s all about keeping the name on the ballot.” The wording was vague, but Moore was quick to interpret it as an attempt to co-opt the “Keep Our Name” slogan for a broader, partisan purpose.

In the Sun’s interview, Moore stated, “Trump’s got a different kind of ‘keep our name.’ He’s talking about the name on a ballot, which is a very different thing from the name on our streets, our schools, our parks. It’s a name that represents who we are, not a name that’s a brand or a campaign slogan.” He further clarified that while he appreciated Trump’s willingness to reach out to black voters, he was wary of the former president’s history of divisive rhetoric.

The article linked to a previous Sun feature that documented Trump’s “Keep Our Name” campaign—a political push designed to capitalize on the language of heritage while appealing to a specific demographic base. That piece had detailed how Trump’s political operatives were planning to use the phrase in upcoming advertisements.

The Broader Political Implications

Moore’s response, and the way the Sun presented it, highlighted a wider debate about the use of language in politics. The “Keep Our Name” phrase had become a point of contention not just in Maryland but across the country. Republicans saw it as an opportunity to claim that they were preserving the “American” name, whereas Democrats and civil‑rights groups argued that it was a form of historical erasure.

The article quoted a handful of community leaders who supported Moore’s initiative, noting that the bill would give names to local heroes such as Dr. Mary S. Gates, an African‑American physician and civic leader, and the late civil‑rights activist Dr. Eddie F. Moss. “We’re not trying to erase history. We’re trying to correct the record,” said one councilmember in the piece.

Moore also mentioned that the “Keep Our Name” initiative had bipartisan support, which he used as a counterpoint to Trump’s unilateral approach. He said, “If you look at the bill’s supporters, you’ll see people from both parties. That’s the real power—unity over division.”

Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum

The Sun’s article reported that Trump’s statement had sparked a flurry of responses on social media. On Twitter, the former president’s official account tweeted a cryptic “We’re all about keeping our name.” His loyalists shared images of the rally, while critics accused him of cherry‑picking a phrase for political gain.

Moore, meanwhile, engaged in a public exchange on the platform. He posted a brief video in which he urged his followers to “listen to the context.” The video was widely shared, and the hashtag #KeepOurName gained traction as people debated the appropriateness of Trump’s usage.

The piece also highlighted the responses from other Maryland politicians. Governor Wes Moore’s (former) lieutenant governor, Jovan C. E., posted a statement supporting the bill. “We’re working together to make sure our public spaces reflect our shared history and values,” she wrote.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

The article concluded by speculating on the possible outcomes of the debate. Moore hinted that if the bill passed, it could set a precedent for other states to re‑evaluate the names of public spaces. “This is about more than street names. It’s about identity,” he told the Sun. “If we’re ready to do that in Maryland, we’re ready to do it across the country.”

Trump’s team, however, was reportedly gearing up for a renewed push. In an interview that the Sun linked to, a senior Trump adviser mentioned that the former president would “stay focused on keeping our name—whether that’s on the ballot, in our homes, or on the map.”

The article left readers with a clear image of a political battle that was far from over: a debate about history, identity, and the power of language. Whether the “Keep Our Name” phrase will remain a unifying call or become a partisan slogan remained to be seen. But the fact that it had already sparked a national conversation speaks to the growing importance of place‑based politics in a polarized America.

Key Takeaways

Moore’s “Keep Our Name” Bill – A bipartisan initiative to rename streets and public spaces in Baltimore to honor local African‑American heroes.
Trump’s Intervention – The former president’s brief statement using the same phrase, interpreted as a political tactic aimed at black voters.
Public Reaction – A heated social‑media exchange, with both supporters and critics of the phrase debating its significance.
Broader Impact – The debate could influence future renaming efforts across the United States, touching on themes of heritage, identity, and political branding.

The Baltimore Sun’s piece served as a concise yet comprehensive overview of an issue that has transcended local politics and entered the national conversation—one that will shape the way Americans think about the names that adorn their streets and their ballots for years to come.

Read the Full The Baltimore Sun Article at:
[ https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/08/25/wes-moore-trump-keep-our-name/ ]

Similar Politics and Government Publications

[ Wed, Jul 23rd ]: OPB

Formertopaidesto Oregon Gov. Tina Kotekformnewpoliticalstrategiesfirm

[ Tue, Jul 22nd ]: The Denver Post

Thebigbeautifulbillisuglyfor Coloradanshealthopinion

[ Sun, May 04th ]: CNN

Hear what Biden said in first public remarks since leaving office | CNN Politics

[ Fri, May 02nd ]: CNN

Harris accuses Trump of abandoning American ideal .. major speech since leaving office | CNN Politics

[ Tue, Apr 08th ]: WABE

Adjourned: Here's what the 2025 legislative session illuminated about Georgia politics