“Fact Check: Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Video Reveals Truth About Trump’s ‘Greatest President’ Claim by Gov. Moore” | CNN Politics

Video from a 2024 meeting between President Donald Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore challenges Trump’s claim that Moore called him “the greatest president of my lifetime.”

Recently, Trump and Moore have exchanged heated words about public safety in Baltimore as Trump takes a more active role in law enforcement in Washington, D.C. At a White House press briefing, Trump said that during their encounter at the Army-Navy football game in December 2024, Moore praised him.

“I met him at the Army-Navy game,” Trump recounted. “He hugged me, shook my hand, and said, ‘Sir, you’re the greatest president of my lifetime.’ I told him it was nice to hear, but I wished he’d say it publicly.”

Moore, however, dismissed Trump’s account. He responded on social media with a simple “lol,” followed by another post that read, “Keep telling yourself that, Mr. President.” He later clarified to WBAL Radio, “When I say that conversation never happened, I mean it never happened.”

Recent video evidence from Fox News, which aired the segment, did not corroborate Trump’s claims. Instead, it showed Moore greeting Trump with a handshake, saying, “Welcome back to Maryland, sir. It’s good to see you.” While Moore did use polite terms, he did not offer the praise Trump described. The clips indicated that Moore was engaging with Trump primarily about state matters, like securing federal funds for infrastructure repair.

“It captures the whole interaction,” Moore’s spokesman, Carter Elliott IV, stated, emphasizing that Moore never made the claims Trump alleged.

This incident reflects a recurring theme in Trump’s narratives, where he depicts himself as popular and well-liked. Historical patterns show that Trump often shares stories of receiving high praise from public figures, even when those claims are disputed.

While Moore’s response went viral, it highlights the significance of accountability in political narratives. Social media has become a vital tool for public figures to challenge or debunk claims. Thus, Moore’s use of social media not only responded effectively but also engaged a wider audience, reflecting public sentiment toward political honesty.

For more on the impact of social media in politics, check out this report from the Pew Research Center.

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