New Jersey’s New Governor Takes Office Amid Controversy

NEWARK, N.J. — Shortly after being inaugurated, Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill delivered a contentious inaugural speech, criticizing President Trump and accusing him of “illegally usurping power.”

Sherrill, who campaigned heavily on issues related to the president, declared her intention to confront Trump on several matters, especially regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

She reflected on New Jersey’s historic importance in the War of Independence, asserting, “This election shows that New Jerseyans see the parallels.”

“The president is unlawfully taking power,” she insisted.

“He’s implemented an unconstitutional tariff system that benefits him while everyone else faces rising costs.

“On November 4th, the voters of New Jersey reignited hope in this country,” she noted.

Sherrill’s audience included notable Trump critics like former Gov. Chris Christie (R), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Attending the ceremony was Sherrill’s former roommate, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), who had been sworn in recently.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosted about 2,000 attendees, where 19 cannons fired, and Black Hawk helicopters flew by, echoing the state’s revolutionary heritage.

Despite stepping back from the House of Commons, Sherrill expressed her continuing interest in national politics.

While New Jersey has a strong Democratic history, Sherrill framed the state as a citadel of resistance against Trump.

“250 years after General Washington crossed the Delaware, I’m proud that New Jersey is once again leading the charge,” she stated.

“New Jersey, honestly, doesn’t get enough credit,” she remarked during her address.

“As your new governor, I want to say, ‘You’re welcome, America,’ for all the culture, fight, and innovation we bring.”

Her national focus became a target for Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli, who remained focused on local matters and notably skipped the inauguration.

While President Trump frequently visits New Jersey, exploiting his nearby golf club, Sherrill claimed she hadn’t talked to him since her election win.

Yet, Trump has been reaching out to some of his critics. For instance, he had a tense meeting with New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani in November, and they’ve been in contact since.

“The past few years have been draining, and, in times like these, it’s okay to shed a quiet tear,” Sherrill stated.

“We won’t stay silent while many of our friends and neighbors struggle.

“Many kids and seniors can’t find enough to eat, communities are scared, and children worry about their parents disappearing in ICE raids.”

Sherrill becomes the first female Democratic governor in New Jersey, with Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell being the first Black man to hold that office.

Her victory also marks a rare occurrence in modern history—Democrats winning two or more consecutive gubernatorial terms.

After taking the oath, Sherrill is set to implement her first-day promises, including an executive order to freeze utility rate hikes.

She also plans to promote clean energy production through another executive order.

“Mr. New Jersey, remember me when you see that your electric bill hasn’t shot up 20 percent,” she joked.

“And it won’t be because I’m wasting money at Drumthwacket,” she quipped, referencing Trump.

In a light-hearted comment, she remarked on the debate about “pork rolls”. She thanked her Naval Academy classmates who were present.

“In South Jersey, we learned that Taylor ham is really ‘pork roll!’ But we all go home and hug our kids and worry about these things,” she said.

Sherrill was previously barred from walking at the Naval Academy graduation in 1994 due to a cheating scandal, with unclear details surrounding it.

“This is just the start. We’re going to tackle the affordability crisis and disrupt the status quo,” Sherrill promised.