Wes Moore Calls Baltimore Sun 'Right‑Wing' Ahead Of Sinclair‑Linked Probe Into His Record

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and his team publicly criticized The Baltimore Sun’s new ownership as "right‑wing" and closely aligned with former President Donald Trump before the paper published a reported investigation into his background.

The Baltimore Sun was sold in 2024 to David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group. According to reporting, the paper assembled investigative reporters from Sinclair‑affiliated outlets to examine Moore’s military record, scholastic sports history and other elements of his past.

In an interview with former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Moore said the sale marked a change for the longtime regional newspaper:

“It’s actually a very sad day because the Baltimore Sun used to be our paper of record. It’s now become the paper of the right wing.”

Moore — who has downplayed speculation about a 2028 presidential bid — has previously faced scrutiny over listing a Bronze Star on an early White House fellowship application before he had formally received the medal. The governor was later awarded the Bronze Star in 2024.

Spotlight On Maryland's Response

Spotlight On Maryland, a collaborative investigative effort that includes Sinclair‑owned FOX‑45, an ABC affiliate in Washington and The Baltimore Sun, pushed back. Managing editor Candy Woodall published a lengthy rebuttal on social media, questioning the timing of Moore’s attacks and saying the governor’s team tried to discredit the project before it ran.

Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, during an announcement in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.

Woodall said Spotlight had sent "hundreds" of questions to Moore’s office and received limited responses. She noted a 2022 episode in which a FOX‑45 reporter asked why Moore had listed a Bronze Star he had not yet received; Woodall said Moore’s team then accused that reporter of bias. The New York Times later reported on the Bronze Star issue, and Moore described the matter as "an honest mistake" in an August 2024 statement.

In that statement, Moore said a deputy brigade commander encouraged him to apply for a White House fellowship and recommended him for a Bronze Star, advising him to list the award on his application. Moore's officer evaluations praised his service, while Moore later said he "sincerely wish[ed he] had gone back to correct the note on my application."

Back‑And‑Forth Between Camps

Moore press secretary Ammar Moussa raised questions about Smith’s involvement in Spotlight On Maryland and asked what influence Smith — a major Trump donor — might have in the FOX‑45 and Baltimore Sun newsrooms. Moussa also criticized Spotlight reporter Gary Collins, calling him "not a journalist" and pointing to Collins’ past political ties.

Collins responded: "I will continue to report facts, just like my colleagues do." He has reported that Spotlight On Maryland has requested documentation tied to Moore’s military record, academic history and prior credentials for months and that the administration has not yet released full records.

The dispute has also revived broader discussions about media ownership and editorial influence. Critics of Smith and Sinclair point to prior controversies — including Sinclair's removal of certain network programming — as evidence of potential ideological interference. Moore’s team and Spotlight On Maryland have both accused the other side of bias while calls for transparency and the release of records continue.

Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to Sinclair and David D. Smith for comment.