EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism from political opponents after posting about her meeting with Spain’s King Felipe VI and other members of the Spanish royal family following the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
In a social media post, Sherrill described the meeting as “an honor” and highlighted discussions about economic and cultural ties between Spain and New Jersey.
“It was an honor to meet King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía at the World Cup Final right here in New Jersey,” Sherrill wrote.
She said the conversation focused on strengthening the relationship between Spain and New Jersey.
“We had a great conversation about the deep ties between Spain and New Jersey, from our strong cultural connections to the many opportunities to grow our economic relationship and bring more investment and jobs to our state.”
Sherrill also said she enjoyed hearing about Princess Leonor’s service aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, Spain’s historic naval training ship, and noted it was “wonderful to meet the legendary Plácido Domingo.”
Critics point to previous ‘No Kings’ messaging
The governor’s post quickly drew criticism from opponents who contrasted the meeting with her previous participation in “No Kings” rallies held during her time in Congress and while campaigning for governor.
At those events, Sherrill used the phrase “No Kings” as a political slogan criticizing what organizers described as authoritarian tendencies and executive overreach in the United States, particularly by former President Donald Trump.
During one rally in Princeton, Sherrill told supporters, “We are here to stand up strongly to say no kings, no dictators.”
At another event in Montclair, she declared, “There are No Kings in America. And New Jersey is going to show the world exactly what we think of wannabe dictators and their lackeys on November 4th.”
Diplomatic meeting versus political slogan
Sherrill’s meeting with the Spanish monarch occurred as part of official events surrounding the FIFA World Cup final, which attracted numerous international dignitaries to New Jersey.
Spain is a constitutional monarchy led by King Felipe VI, whose role is largely ceremonial under the country’s parliamentary system.
Neither the governor’s office nor Sherrill suggested that the meeting represented any change in her political views regarding the “No Kings” movement. Her social media post focused on international relations, economic opportunities, and cultural connections between Spain and New Jersey.
The contrast between Sherrill’s previous campaign rhetoric and her cordial meeting with Spain’s royal family has nevertheless become a point of political criticism, with opponents arguing the images appear inconsistent with her earlier messaging.
