Congressman says New Jersey governor is arrogant and not listening to New Jerseyans

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TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy doubled down on his promise to defend the Garden State against possible federal policies under President Trump’s new administration, drawing criticism from Republicans who view his stance as partisan defiance.

Speaking shortly after the 2024 election results, Murphy emphasized his commitment to standing up for New Jersey values, particularly against actions he sees as threats to immigrant communities, reproductive rights and gun safety laws. “If there is an attack from Washington on the Garden State or any of its communities, I will defend myself with every fiber of my being,” Murphy said.

The comments sparked opposition from prominent Republicans, including Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey. Van Drew described Murphy’s comments as “arrogant” and out of touch with voters’ concerns. He highlighted Trump’s unexpectedly strong performance in New Jersey, where the former president lost just five points compared to a 17-point deficit in 2020. “Without spending a dime, we got within five points.” Governor Murphy hears the people not to,” Van Drew said in an interview.

“Governor Murphy is not listening to the people. This is typical of the ultra-left. They’re arrogant and he thinks that people are stupid, that they don’t understand what they’ve done and that we’re going to fight it anyway,” Van Drew said. “Who would fight against secure borders? Who would work to remove criminals, murderers, rapists and people on the terror watch list from our country? Why should you fight it?”

Republicans in Congress, led by figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, have signaled they want to focus on linking protections to cuts in federal funding. Greene, who is expected to chair a new House government waste subcommittee, called for a crackdown on sanctuaries and cities. “If they use their law enforcement officers and resources to harbor and protect illegal criminal aliens, then these sanctuary states and cities are at absolute risk of losing their federal funding,” Greene said.

Van Drew echoed that sentiment, pointing out that Murphy’s designation of New Jersey as a sanctuary state could have financial implications. “We want a secure country and secure borders,” he said, noting that Republican lawmakers may push to revise federal tax policies such as federal taxes. B. SALT deductions to be linked to the protected area status.

As Trump prepares to return to the White House, tensions between his administration and blue states like New Jersey are expected to heat up. Murphy, who governed during Trump’s first term, acknowledged the challenges of working across ideological lines but insisted his administration would protect New Jerseyans while exploring opportunities for bipartisan cooperation.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is vowing to resist federal overreach as Republican lawmakers eye funding cuts to sanctuary states.