Governor Wes Moore is under increasing scrutiny regarding his administration’s commitment to transparency. Despite promises of openness, his office has declined to respond to inquiries from Spotlight on Maryland amid ongoing allegations of misconduct within state government. The lack of communication raises questions about the integrity of his administration and its accountability to the public.
Moore has consistently emphasized transparency as a cornerstone of his leadership since taking office in January 2023. He has made over 60 public statements, including the signing of the Transparent Government Act, which aims to modernize government operations. In an article published in 2025, Moore stated, “people know and realize the administration believes in full transparency.”
However, some lawmakers express concern that these commitments are not being met. Del. Matt Morgan, a Republican from St. Mary’s County, remarked, “I don’t think it is doing well, and we need to be more transparent.” He referenced a projected $1.4 billion budget shortfall that followed nearly $2 billion in tax increases implemented less than a year ago. Morgan criticized the administration for proposing ideas without accountability, noting, “They push out these ideas, and then they’re just not accountable.”
In a recent interview, House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk, a Democrat, acknowledged the challenges but maintained that the legislature is focused on addressing issues within its control. “We are taking it on,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to guiding the legislative process.
Allegations of wrongdoing within Moore’s administration have surfaced, particularly concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to reports, whistleblowers have claimed that officials devised a plan to avoid federal penalties related to SNAP, potentially manipulating data to protect Maryland from financial repercussions. Moore has denied the allegations and promised a thorough investigation; however, his office has not provided updates on the status or findings of that inquiry.
In another troubling case, an investigation by Spotlight on Maryland revealed questionable expenditures by a Department of Human Services employee, who billed taxpayers $400 for massages. The employee reportedly instructed the massage business owner to alter an invoice to facilitate approval. This incident raises further concerns about adherence to procurement procedures.
Despite repeated inquiries, Moore’s office has not addressed critical questions regarding these investigations. Questions include whether the Governor is aware of the investigation into the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds, whether he supports the decision for the employee in question to remain employed, and the rationale behind not terminating the employee despite apparent violations of state policy.
House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, a Republican from Allegany County, emphasized that a straightforward interpretation of the law suggests that misuse of taxpayer dollars could warrant dismissal. “If you’re spending taxpayer dollars to obtain a service or a good that’s outside the scope of your employment, that would qualify for grounds for dismissal,” he stated.
When asked about the termination of the employee involved in the massage billing issue, Pena-Melnyk indicated that she was unfamiliar with the specific circumstances, asserting that the government has protocols for investigating and addressing misconduct. However, she concluded the interview when pressed for further comments.
The situation escalated earlier this week when Spotlight on Maryland was not invited to a press availability hosted by Moore. Other media outlets received notification approximately 20 minutes before the event, raising concerns about selective transparency in communication.
In response to questions about the lack of inclusion and the administration’s transparency, a spokesperson for Moore stated, “The Governor routinely avails himself to reporters every week.” The spokesperson emphasized that the administration prioritizes providing substantive responses, even to questions perceived as biased. “Since January 1, the Governor has done over 80 interviews and has answered hundreds of inquiries,” the spokesperson added.
Despite these claims, the email did not address the specific inquiries related to the Department of Human Services or the SNAP investigation, leaving many questions unanswered as the scrutiny surrounding Moore’s administration continues to grow.
Spotlight on Maryland operates as a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, D.C., and The Baltimore Sun. The ongoing investigation has raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability within the Maryland government.
