TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy doubled his pledge to defend the Garden State against potential federal policies under President Trump’s incoming administration, drawing criticism from Republicans who see his stance as partisan resistance.
Speaking shortly after the 2024 election results, Murphy emphasized his commitment to standing up for New Jersey’s values, particularly against actions he perceives as threats to immigrant communities, reproductive rights, and gun safety laws. “If there is any attack on the Garden State or any of its communities from Washington, I will fight back with every fiber of my being,” Murphy said.
The comments prompted pushback from prominent Republicans, including New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew. Van Drew described Murphy’s remarks as “arrogant” and out of touch with voter concerns. He highlighted Trump’s unexpectedly strong performance in New Jersey, where the former president lost by just five points compared to a 17-point deficit in 2020. “Without spending a penny, we got within five. Governor Murphy isn’t listening to the people,” Van Drew said during an interview.
“Governor Murphy isn’t listening to the people. This is typical of the ultra-left. They’re arrogant, and he thinks that, you know, the people are stupid, that they don’t understand what they did, and we’re still going to fight this,” Van Drew said. “Who would fight having secure borders? Who would fight removing criminals, murderers, rapists, and people on the terror watch list from our country? Why would you fight that?”
Republicans in Congress, led by figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, have signaled a focus on linking sanctuary policies with federal funding cuts. Greene, who is set to chair a new House subcommittee on government waste, called for a crackdown on sanctuary states and cities. “If they use their police officers and their resources to harbor and protect illegal criminal aliens, then absolutely those sanctuary states and cities are in danger of losing their federal funding,” Greene said.
Van Drew echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Murphy’s designation of New Jersey as a sanctuary state could have financial repercussions. “We want a safe country and safe borders,” he said, noting that Republican lawmakers may push for tying federal tax policies, such as SALT deductions, to sanctuary status.
As Trump prepares to return to the White House, the tension between his administration and blue states like New Jersey is expected to intensify. Murphy, who governed during Trump’s first term, acknowledged the challenges of working across ideological lines but maintained that his administration will protect New Jersey’s residents while exploring opportunities for bipartisan collaboration.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy promises to resist federal overreach, as GOP lawmakers eye funding cuts for sanctuary states.
