Maryland’s Democratic governor, Wes Moore, hired the risk-management firm Accenture PLC on a short-term contract to prepare for the incoming Trump administration. The $190,000 contract was finalized two days after Trump’s projected win, and consultants at Accenture were tasked with analyzing how Trump and congressional Republicans would impact Maryland, particularly in terms of federal funding. The contract also included provisions for identifying state resources, potential legal challenges, and tracking Trump’s agenda and interactions with third-party groups like the Heritage Foundation.
While some critics speculated that Moore’s hiring of Accenture was an attempt to set up an adversarial relationship with the White House, his spokesman emphasized that the governor was committed to working with the incoming administration to achieve common goals. The federal government plays a significant role in Maryland’s economy, with just under 10% of the state’s workforce employed by federal agencies. The state is home to various federal headquarters, including NASA’s Goddard Space Center and the NIH campus, making it essential for Maryland to understand and adapt to any new policy directions taken by the federal government.
State House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, a Republican, expressed concerns about the contract, particularly given Maryland’s reported billion-dollar deficit and unified Republican control of the federal government. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin have also focused on potential impacts of the incoming Trump administration in their regions. Bowser requested a meeting with Trump, while Youngkin, a prominent Trump supporter, expressed optimism about the potential for job growth under the new administration. However, local leaders like Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay warned of the risks associated with a second Trump term and the potential dismantling of government bureaucracy.
Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. are all preparing for significant changes as the Trump administration returns to Washington, D.C. Given the importance of federal funding and employment in Maryland, Moore’s decision to hire Accenture was viewed as a proactive measure to ensure the state is prepared for any policy changes. The contract with Accenture allows Maryland to track and analyze Trump’s agenda and interactions with third-party groups, as well as identify potential legal challenges and avenues for state resources. Despite some criticism, Moore’s spokesman emphasized the governor’s commitment to working with the incoming administration to achieve common goals in the best interests of Maryland residents. With the federal government playing a substantial role in Maryland’s economy, it is essential for the state to be well-prepared for any new policy directions taken by the Trump administration.
