New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is facing criticism for traveling to Europe while a severe nor’easter is approaching the state. His trip, which started on October 9 for a wedding, comes just before a state of emergency was declared with a gubernatorial election on the horizon.
During Murphy’s absence, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way is stepping in as acting governor. She declared a state of emergency on Saturday, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the storm is expected to cause significant disruptions, especially in several coastal counties.
The New York Post reported on the irony of the governor being overseas while the storm looms, highlighting the timing of the news about his travel. His office confirmed that Murphy is in touch with his team regarding the situation back home.
Despite the emergency, Murphy’s official social media continued its usual activity, including a post about Indigenous Peoples Day, prompting backlash from users questioning his absence during this critical time. Comments fired off on social media included sarcastic remarks about whether he was tweeting from Italy.
As the gubernatorial race heats up—with Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Trump-backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli both vying for attention—Murphy can’t seek re-election due to term limits. The political landscape in New Jersey has shifted recently, with Trump performing better in the state than in previous elections.
Murphy’s previous international trips have also drawn scrutiny. In 2023, he returned early from Italy after the sudden death of his acting lieutenant governor. Criticism arose again when he vacationed in Costa Rica during a COVID spike in 2021 and flew abroad while wildfires raged in the state earlier this year.
As of Tuesday, Murphy’s office confirmed that he has returned and is scheduled to attend a media event that evening. However, his office declined to comment further when reached for additional clarification.
