New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) has expressed strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, particularly concerning social issues. In a recent statement, Murphy emphasized his commitment to defending New Jersey’s values, stating, “If there is any attack on the Garden State or on any of its communities from Washington, I will fight back with every fiber of my being.”
In a Q&A following Trump’s victory, Murphy warned he will “fight to the death” against the incoming administration if he detects behavior “contrary to our values.”
“[A]s we respect the peaceful transition of power, if there is any attack on the Garden State or any of its communities from Washington, I will fight back with every fiber of my being,” Murphy said.
“If there’s an opportunity for common ground, we will seize that as fast as anybody,” he conversely added.
State Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Hackettstown) told
Fox News Digital that Murphy is “missing the message” voters sent on Tuesday with his initial response.
“It’s time for the governor to realize that his values might not reflect those of New Jerseyans as widely as he assumes,” DiMaio said.
“While Murphy is ready to spend resources on political battles with Trump, it’s hard to see how that aligns with the priorities of struggling families, hardworking taxpayers, and business owners who want more focus on their needs,” he added.
Murphy’s administration has previously taken legal action against federal policies perceived as detrimental to New Jersey residents. For instance, in 2021, Murphy led a coalition of governors in sending a letter to President Biden, urging the elimination of the cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions imposed during the Trump administration. The letter described the cap as a form of “double taxation” that disproportionately affects middle-class families in states like New Jersey.
Additionally, Murphy has been vocal about his administration’s efforts to counteract federal actions that he believes undermine the state’s progressive policies. In 2018, he stated, “We will stand our ground in the face of every attempt to erode the progress we’ve made and the values we hold dear.”
This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.
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