TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy’s administration is facing scrutiny after New Jersey’s official social media accounts promoted Transgender Awareness Week with multiple posts, while offering only a brief acknowledgment of Veterans Day.
The state’s official X account, @NJGov, shared three posts between November 14 and November 20 celebrating fully for Transgender Awareness Week.
One post on November 14 featured a quote from the governor’s own account that read, “We are proud to recognize and support our trans and non-binary neighbors here in New Jersey. 🏳️⚧️ This #TransgenderAwarenessWeek, we want to remind you that you are loved and you belong. For support and resources, visit: transgender.nj.gov.”
A follow-up post on November 17 continued the celebration, stating, “This Transgender Awareness Week, we are celebrating New Jersey’s transgender icons! 🏳️⚧️ Resources for our transgender and non-binary neighbors: https://nj.gov/transgender/.”
That post featured photos for ‘celebrity’ transgender icons for New Jersey. There was no such recognition for veterans like USMC veteran John Basilone, Joyce Kilmer, Norman Schwartzkopf, or others.
Then on November 20, the state account added, “We see you & we love you. 🏳️⚧️💓 Visit our Transgender Information Hub for resources: https://nj.gov/transgender/.”
By contrast, on Veterans Day, November 11, the @NJGov account published a single message: “Happy Veterans Day, New Jersey 🇺🇸.”
There was no celebration or love for the states veterans.
Governor’s message sparks mixed reactions
Governor Murphy’s personal X account also drew attention for a Veterans Day message that read, “This Veterans Day, we are proud that New Jersey has elected our nation’s FIRST female veteran governor in @MikieSherrill! Thank you, Mikie, for your nearly 10 years of service in the @USNavy and your commitment to serving the people of New Jersey.”
The post appeared to confuse users about whether he was celebrating all veterans or just one.