Trenton, NJ – – In a combative and impassioned budget address delivered Tuesday, February 25, Governor Phil Murphy pledged to stand firm against the incoming Trump administration, promising to defend New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents and fight for progressive values “to the death.”
While extending an olive branch for cooperation, Murphy made it clear he would not shy away from confrontation if federal policies threaten the rights and freedoms of his constituents.
Addressing a joint session of the state Legislature, Murphy outlined his dual-track approach to dealing with President Donald Trump’s second term, set to begin in January 2025. “Now, as I said last month: I have every intention of working — in good faith — with the Trump Administration to better the lives of the people we serve,” he began. “But, just as importantly, if this Administration tries to attack our most vulnerable neighbors: I will never back down from defending their rights and freedoms.”
The governor then launched into a litany of commitments, drawing clear lines in the sand. “I will never back down from defending the members of our LGBTQ+ community — because their identities are not up for debate,” he declared, signaling his readiness to counter any federal rollback of protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. He continued, vowing to protect civil rights, academic freedom for educators teaching “the full truth of our history,” and the state’s immigrant families.
Murphy’s rhetoric grew particularly pointed when referencing the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and its aftermath.
“I will also never back down from defending our police officers — like South River native Brian Sicknick — instead of pardoning the violent mob that assaulted them,” he said, alluding to Trump’s past comments about potentially pardoning supporters involved in the insurrection.
Sicknick, a Capitol Police officer who died following the attack, has become a symbol of law enforcement sacrifice in New Jersey. Although Murphy eluded that he was killed in the attack, Sicknick, according to the Biden administration died from natural causes, as noted on his death certificate.
Perhaps the most forceful pledge came on reproductive rights.
“I will certainly never back down from defending women — and protecting their access to reproductive health care, and especially, their right to an abortion,” Murphy asserted. “Those folks in Washington can try and push their anti-choice agenda on us. But as long as I am Governor: they will fail.” The statement drew applause from Democratic lawmakers, reinforcing New Jersey’s status as a bulwark for abortion access amid growing national restrictions.
The remarks come as Trump’s second term looms over progressive governors, with his administration pushing a conservative agenda that clashes with New Jersey’s progressive policies.
Murphy’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026, totaling $58.1 billion, reflects this defiance, maintaining robust funding for social programs, education, and healthcare—areas likely to face federal pressure. Notably, the budget preserves $4.3 billion in property tax relief and allocates resources to bolster protections for marginalized groups, aligning with his rhetorical stance.
