TRENTON, N.J. — Since becoming governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy has done the exact opposite of what President Donald J. Trump is promising with his Department of Government Efficiency.
He has raised taxes by 68% and spending money like a drunken sailor.
New Jersey Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio sharply rebuked Gov. Phil Murphy after the governor criticized President Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress, accusing Murphy of failing to address economic hardships in his own state.
Murphy, in a statement following Trump’s speech, expressed concerns over rising costs and stagnant wages. DiMaio, however, argued that the governor’s policies were a major factor in New Jersey’s affordability crisis.
“Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s ‘disappointed’ in the president’s address last night. That’s rich, because we’re pretty disappointed in him,” DiMaio said.
He pointed to Murphy’s latest budget proposal, which he said has increased by 68% since Murphy first took office, attributing the rise to tax increases and excessive spending. DiMaio also contrasted Murphy’s policies with Trump’s, noting the president’s plan to cut federal spending while Murphy proposed raising state taxes by $1.3 billion.
DiMaio further criticized Murphy’s energy policies, claiming they have led to higher utility costs. “Murphy’s policies are driving up utility bills by restricting our energy supply. Trump wants to ‘Drill, baby drill’ to lower prices,” he said.
He also pushed for tax relief for middle-class workers, citing Trump’s proposals to eliminate taxes on overtime pay, tips, and Social Security income—measures DiMaio said Murphy has ignored.
As Murphy continues to oppose Trump’s agenda, DiMaio argued the governor’s approach is failing New Jersey residents. “Stop ‘fighting like hell’ because it’s not working,” he said.