Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, facing budget problems and President Donald Trump's dramatic efforts to downsize a federal workforce crucial to Maryland's economy, said the state must become less reliant on federal jobs and better develop other economic strengths.

The first-term governor who is considered a likely presidential candidate in 2028 criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for announcing a freeze on all federal grants and loans, including those coming to Maryland.

Gov. Wes Moore, in his third annual State of the State address Wednesday, will expand on what he’s recently described as dueling crises facing Maryland — a massive financial shortfall that’s spurred him to make deep cuts and reform the state’s tax code,

Gov. Wes Moore called on lawmakers Wednesday to “confront crisis with courage” in the coming months as they try to close their massive budget gap and navigate an unpredictable new administration in the White House.