New Jersey Governor Faces Criticism Amid Storm

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, currently overseas for a wedding, is facing significant backlash as a strong nor’easter approaches his home state. Officials have been tight-lipped about whether he plans to shorten his trip.

On Saturday, a state of emergency was declared by Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who is acting as governor while Murphy is away. It’s unclear when he will return.

Spokesman Tyler Jones confirmed that the governor and his wife, Tammy, are attending a friend’s wedding in Europe and won’t be back until Tuesday.

Jones didn’t specify where in Europe they are or whose wedding they’re attending. Murphy, a Democratic lawmaker retiring due to term limits, has a vacation home in Italy and is known for frequent travels.

No comments have come from Murphy’s office as of Monday.

On Monday morning, a post sent from overseas recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day drew criticism. Many expressed frustration at his absence during a critical time for New Jersey.

In his post, Murphy wrote, “Today, let’s also honor New Jersey’s indigenous communities, from the Ramapo-Munsee-Lenape Tribal Nation in Ramapo to the Nanticoke-Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation in Bridgeton. #IndigenousPeoplesDay.”

One commenter shot back, “You’ve been MIA for days and then you decide to show up and post this?” Another asked, “Do you honor them while you’re in New Jersey? They seem to disappear a lot.”

This isn’t the first time Murphy’s travel has raised eyebrows. In September 2023, while Murphy was also out of the country, Lt. Gov. Way took over following the death of Sheila Oliver, who was then acting governor.

Additionally, in December 2021, as COVID-19 cases surged, Murphy experienced heatstroke during a trip to Costa Rica. The Murphys have vacationed in that country multiple times in recent years.