Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is facing growing criticism for taking an overseas trip to Europe for a wedding during a state of emergency declared due to an incoming nor’easter and as the gubernatorial election approaches. His absence has sparked public backlash, with some questioning his availability during the crisis. Murphy’s office stated he returned to his duties on Tuesday, with Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way serving as acting governor in his absence. The state of emergency was declared on Saturday by Way, as the nor’easter threatened the coastal state. Critics have raised concerns about Murphy’s decision to be abroad during an emergency, with some on social media questioning his priorities and demanding answers. The gubernatorial election, featuring Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Trump-backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli, is heating up as both candidates rally for last-minute voter registration. Murphy’s recent trips have included a 2023 overseas trip during which his lieutenant governor died while he was away and a 2021 vacation to Costa Rica during the height of the pandemic.
On Sunday, Fox News reported that the former Goldman Sachs executive was absent from the state as the storm approached, with his office disclosing that the first couple of New Jersey were in Europe for a wedding. The governor’s official X account continued posting messages, including celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead of Columbus Day, which sparked condemnation in the comments section as social media users demanded answers about his absence during a state of emergency. One user sarcastically responded, “You type this from Italy?” Another commenter questioned, “Are you honoring them while in NJ? You seem to disappear a lot,” while another remarked, “Columbus Day! And are you doing this tweet from Europe?”