New Jersey’s Democrat Governor, Phil Murphy, is ready to “fight to the death” against the incoming Trump administration if any actions conflict with the state’s 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 declared.
However, completely contrarily he noted, “If there’s an opportunity for common ground, we will seize that as fast as anybody.”
Murphy went on to acknowledge Trump’s “uncanny ability to connect with people, even if it’s not in their own interests,” after the President-elect nearly secured the traditionally Democratic state.
Although Murphy dismissed the notion of New Jersey becoming a battleground state, he noted Trump narrowed the gap to 4% from a previous 16% margin in 2020.
“I do not believe we are a swing state,” he stated, noting satisfaction with the electoral results, despite Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s win.
He credited the GOP’s effective messaging on immigration, while cautioning that their rhetoric might not align with reality.
Trump clinched Passaic County, a diverse suburb of NYC, yet down-ballot contests favored Democrats. Murphy suggested this as voters’ preference for Trump individually rather than Republicans overall.
A similar trend was observed in North Carolina, where Trump won, but Democrat Joshua Stein became governor.
“Just as it is our responsibility to continue to stand up against any threat to our state or to our people, it is also our responsibility to take any opportunity that presents itself to work with [Trump] to protect and uplift the people of our state because that is what responsible leaders do,” Murphy continued.
Reflecting on actions taken by Trump’s previous administration, Murphy recalled his own hands-on response to when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly conducted raids targeting undocumented immigrants.
“There was a time when ICE was just randomly showing up on street corners and apprehending … brothers and sisters from the immigrant community,” the New Jersey Democrat explained.
“I just went there one night with my [security] detail and just hung out there,” he recounted, noting ICE didn’t show up afterward.
“Whether that scared them off or not I don’t know, but it’s an example of a small step that we’re willing to try anything if it’s contrary to our values.”
Watch Murphy’s full interview here:
