President Trump appoints Maryland Gov. Moore to bipartisan Council of Governors

President Trump appointed Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to the bipartisan Council of Governors, according to a news release from the administration on Thursday.

The group is made up of governors from several other states and serves as a forum for governors and federal officials to “enhance collaboration on disaster response, National Guard operations, and military integration within the states.”

The council was established by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, and formally created through an executive order in 2010, according to the White House.

The council consists of 10 governors (five from each political party), with two governors serving as co-chairs.

The following governors were appointed to the council:

• Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Republican, co-chair
• North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, Democrat, co-chair
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican
• Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Republican
• Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Republican
• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Democrat
• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat
• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Democrat
• Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Democrat
• South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, Republican

Governor Moore’s office shared the following statement after he was appointed:

“Governor Moore looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group of state leaders tasked with strengthening state-federal partnerships on key national security, disaster response, cybersecurity, and military coordination issues. As an Army Combat Veteran, and the leader of the state during the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Governor Moore will bring a unique experience to this collaborative effort. The governor hopes to use this role to advocate  for a renewed partnership between states and the federal government, to support service members and their families, and make us stronger and safer at home and abroad.”

What is the governor’s council?

According to the National Governors Association website, the council shares documents for review and discussion with all governors’ offices before their approval by the council.

The council advises state and federal governments on the country’s disaster response efforts, support for military families, cybersecurity, federal budget decisions, and more.

The National Governors Association winter meeting will take place in Washington, D.C., on Friday, according to the Baltimore Banner. Moore is scheduled to attend, the Banner reported.