TRENTON, N.J. — As New Jersey firefighters battle a massive 11,500-acre wildfire in Ocean County, Governor Phil Murphy is preparing to lead a week-long overseas economic mission to Europe and the Gulf Arab States, sparking concern over timing amid a state emergency.
At this time, it is unknown whether or not Murphy has canceled his overseas trip or if his delegation has already departed.
Before that, he will visit Poland, according to his staff. Lt. Governor Tahesha Way is serving as acting governor in his absence. He is currently heading to Poland with his wife Tammy, and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan.
The Arab delegation includes First Lady Tammy Murphy, Choose New Jersey President and CEO Wesley Mathews, and New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan. The trip will feature business roundtables, government meetings, U.S. embassy briefings, and a visit with New Jersey-based U.S. service members stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
“This mission is an important opportunity to further strengthen New Jersey’s global leadership in key industries,” said Mathews. Sullivan added that such trips “help expand key industries, grow businesses, and create jobs in the state.”
The timing of the overseas mission comes as firefighters continue efforts to contain the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean and Lacey Townships. The blaze remains only 30% contained, has destroyed one commercial building, and threatened 20 structures. Evacuations for approximately 5,000 residents were lifted Tuesday.
Governor’s absence during crisis draws public attention
While the state has not declared a formal emergency, the scale of the wildfire and its impact on residents have drawn attention to the governor’s schedule. Murphy has not publicly commented on the fire’s developments in recent days.
The mission marks the governor’s first international trip of 2025 and will be followed by missions to Israel, India, and Mexico in his final year in office. Past missions under his administration have included visits to economic hubs in Europe and Asia.
Key Points
- Governor Murphy departs April 25 for an economic mission to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. He is believed to be en route to Poland today.
- The trip comes as New Jersey firefighters battle a major wildfire in Ocean County.
- Tahesha Way is acting governor of New Jersey at this time.
Governor’s trip to Gulf States proceeds as wildfire burns through Ocean County.
