Trump highlights a big new defense project in Maryland, a blue state whose governor didn't attend

BALTIMORE (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday touted a $3.7 billion investment by the military technology company Anduril to build components for nuclear-powered submarines at a Baltimore-area shipyard.It's one of a series of events Trump is holding across the country to showcase investments in factories, as high gasoline prices from the Iran war and persistently elevated inflation have damaged the president’s approval ratings on the economy.“The workers of Baltimore and the shipyard here at Sparrows Point have been a vital part of the American industrial strength for literally over a hundred years,” the president said, adding that the work being done “is going to be a big component for our future military.”The site where he spoke was Sparrows Point, Maryland, which formerly housed a steel mill for Bethlehem Steel that closed in 2012.Trump is trying to rally Republican voters with less than a month before the midterm elections on Nov. This event, though, was in the solidly blue state of Maryland — and Democratic Gov. Wes Moore didn't attend.Ammar Moussa, a spokesman for the governor, said Moore was blocked from speaking at the event.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning, said Moore had been invited to attend — as a guest.“Governor Moore has always said he will work with anyone when it comes to delivering for Marylanders but bow to no one when it comes to standing up for them,” Moussa said.Moore, who is seeking reelection, is considered a potential presidential candidate in 2028. He ultimately did not come to the event. Despite the dustup, Moore joined Trump in praising the project.In a statement, the governor said the project could potentially create “the most jobs in Maryland in history.” The new facility is expected to create 3,100 direct jobs with several thousand more indirect jobs being supported.Before the event, guests, including several dozen service members, mingled with food and drink inside a hangar-like structure adorned with Anduril banners proclaiming “Who Dares Strike at Liberty,” “Command the Sea Command the World” and “The Shipyard is the Weapon.”Behind the stage where Trump spoke, a backsplash touted “Rebuild the Arsenal.”Several members of the the Baltimore Ravens, like star cornerback Marlon Humphrey, were among those invited.

The president plans to attend Saturday's big college …