TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy will not attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., citing a snow emergency in New Jersey that requires his immediate attention. The announcement, made Saturday, comes as a powerful winter storm sweeps through the state, bringing snow, icy conditions, and travel disruptions.
Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy had planned to attend the inauguration but canceled their trip after declaring a state of emergency to address the storm. In a statement, the Governor’s Office said Murphy will remain in New Jersey to coordinate statewide storm response efforts and support emergency services.
“With hazardous conditions affecting residents across New Jersey, Governor Murphy has made the decision to prioritize storm response and ensure the safety of communities statewide,” the statement read.
The inauguration of President Trump, scheduled for noon on Saturday, marks his return to the White House after a contentious campaign. While it is customary for governors to attend presidential inaugurations, Murphy’s absence underscores the severity of the storm in New Jersey.