He named Moore as a standout leader, saying he is “levitating” above other political contenders.

“He is the guy that has handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully,” Clooney said, referring to the recent Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. “He had two tours of duty in Afghanistan, active duty. He speaks sort of beautifully. He’s smart. He ran a hedge fund. He ran the Robin Hood Foundation. He’s a proper leader.”

“I like him a lot. I think he could be someone we could all join in behind. We have to find somebody rather soon, you know, because we need to,” the Democratic Hollywood fundraiser added.

He also heaped praise on Democratic governors, including Govs. Andy Beshear (D-KY) and Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI).

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has also praised Moore as a political leader.

“I think his praise of Gov. Moore is justified,” Carville told Tapper in a later CNN show segment. “The competition is going to be stiff. There’s an enormous amount of talent in the Democratic Party.”

In a recent interview with the Baltimore Sun editorial board, Moore dismissed speculation about a presidential run, emphasizing his focus remains squarely on leading the state.

“I’m not running for president in 2028. I’m running for reelection in 2026, and I think we are going to have a really powerful story to tell about the things we’ve been able to get done for the people of this state,” the Maryland governor said during the April 7 interview.

Despite his rising national profile, Moore is facing mounting criticism at home, particularly from Maryland business owners and Republican leaders, over the state’s newly approved $67 billion budget, which includes $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases for the 2025 legislative session.

THE TAX MAN: It’s @GovWesMoore’s favorite day of the year! He blew through a $5.5 BILLION surplus — and now he’s dancing his way through $1.67 BILLION in new taxes and fees. pic.twitter.com/rkVnHuZv5u

— No Moore (@NoMooreMD) April 15, 2025

“With over $1.6 billion in new or increased taxes, this represents the largest tax hike in Maryland history—a staggering burden on working families, small businesses, and retirees already struggling with inflation and economic uncertainty,” the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus said in a statement.

Former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has also been outspoken in his criticism of Moore’s fiscal leadership, warning that the state is heading in the wrong direction.

“Unfortunately, just two years later, we’re facing multi-billion-dollar deficits and record tax hikes,” Hogan wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “The vast majority of Marylanders now believe the state is way off track—and 52% are even considering moving out of the state.”

GEORGE CLOONEY DROPPING SUPPORT FROM BIDEN WAS HIS ‘CIVIC DUTY’

Hogan added, “Today is a sad and unfortunate day for Maryland that was entirely avoidable. The tax hikes proposed would cripple Maryland’s economy and already struggling Marylanders. They are the exact opposite of the approach we took for eight years to cut taxes and create a record surplus.”

As Moore looks ahead to a 2026 reelection campaign, speculation is growing that Hogan could return to challenge him. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) recently suggested the possibility of Hogan running for governor again, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile rematch in the next gubernatorial election.