TRENTON, NJ – In a surprising exchange during an appearance on “The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart,” New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger discussed the possibility of a federal tax strike, saying their states may stop sending federal tax payments if the Trump administration continues cutting key funding.
As Sherrill put it, “If Washington won’t deliver for the people, then states will have to start finding ways to deliver for themselves.”
The comments came as both governors-elect described steep federal funding losses to programs such as Medicaid, education, and infrastructure, which they said are disproportionately affecting blue states.
Sherrill said New Jersey sends roughly $70 billion more to Washington each year than it gets back, calling the imbalance “untenable” under what she described as punitive federal policies.
Spanberger echoed the concern, saying Virginia’s health care and education systems are being strained by similar federal cutbacks and rule changes that threaten rural hospitals and safety-net programs.
Key Points
- Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger discussed the idea of a “federal tax strike” on The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart.
- Both governors-elect cited severe funding losses from the Trump administration targeting blue states.
- Sherrill said New Jersey contributes billions more in taxes than it receives back each year.
Governors protest deep federal funding cuts
During the interview, Sherrill described growing frustration among state leaders over what she characterized as federal neglect. “If they’re not going to run the programs, then what are we paying them for?” she said. “It’s like paying for a service and not getting it.”
Spanberger said the latest federal budget changes have already led to the closure of several rural health clinics in Virginia and warned that more hospitals could follow.
“We’re set to be the second most financially hurt state in the country in the health care space,” she said.
The discussion followed a segment in which Stewart criticized the administration for using funding as political leverage, suggesting that states like New Jersey and Virginia may need to find stronger methods to push back.
Tax strike idea sparks political debate
When Stewart raised the notion of a “federal tax strike,” Sherrill said she thinks about it alot and responded that she “talks often about clawing back federal money” and called the idea worth exploring through legal channels.
She noted that “the easiest place to start is in the courts” but agreed that the imbalance between what blue states contribute and receive has become unsustainable.
Spanberger did not endorse the strike directly but said she supports exploring “multi-state compacts” to coordinate responses to federal cuts and protect state programs.
Pushback expected from Washington
While no formal plan has been announced, the remarks immediately drew attention from political observers. Legal experts say any attempt by a state to withhold federal tax payments would face constitutional hurdles, as the IRS collects taxes directly from individuals and businesses.
Still, the conversation highlighted a growing tension between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration over budget priorities. Both governors-elect emphasized that their primary goal remains to protect residents from losing essential services.