Democratic governor open to working with Trump: 'I'm not the leader of the resistance'

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signaled he is open to working with President-elect Trump, saying he is "not the leader of the resistance" and his priority for the incoming administration is to partner with Trump in supporting his constituents as best he can.

During a Tuesday appearance on CNN's "The Lead," host Jake Tapper asked Moore what approach he would take toward the upcoming presidency. Moore responded by saying he is focused on his duties as governor, not on fighting Trump.

"I'm not the leader of the resistance. I'm the governor of Maryland," he said. "My job is to make sure that the 6.5 million people who call the state of Maryland home are going to be supported, protected, that their freedoms and their rights are going to be honored, and also their hopes and their dreams and their aspirations are going to be invested in and supported."

He indicated his willingness to work with Trump is conditional, however.

"I have been very clear that I will work with anybody who wants to be a good partner inside the work to make sure that Maryland is supported, but I am also prepared to make sure...that we will push back when we see those basic rights being violated," he continued.

Moore's comments demonstrate one of several approaches Democratic leaders have taken toward the upcoming Trump presidency. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) chose to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, which the president-elect described positively as "a totally fascinating meeting."

On the other hand, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has railed against the incoming president, most recently voicing concern that Trump will withhold federal disaster aid to the state amid the ongoing wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.