Phil Murphy lambasted during Japan trip
New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy yesterday visited Japan to strengthen the ‘economic bond’ between the two. Aside from an excitable statement about his trip there, he didn’t really explain why or how the visit would improve the bond between the two. As you may have figured, this didn’t go down too well with New Jersey locals who questioned the trip.
Originally, Murphy referenced this on Twitter with a photo from his plane seat. He captioned this by saying: ‘Wheels down in Japan! New Jersey and Japan are both moving full speed ahead in leading the industries of tomorrow, and there is no better time than now to strengthen our economic bond. #NJEastAsiaMission’
Responding to this, a number of his constituents took the chance to tell him to stay in Japan and not return. His post prompted over 130 comments with many of them following this rhetoric. Overall, some of the comments were neutral but many weren’t. Others criticized his carbon footprint and reasoning behind leaving the state.
One user named George Finkeldey also wrote: “Vacation at the taxpayer’s expense. Does no work for New Jersey residents, what’s he going to accomplish there?” which was followed by another Murphy skeptic who added: “Hypocrite Bucky Murphy says he fears climate change but makes no sacrifices. Gas-guzzling SUVs. International air travel for vacations to Italy and Japan. Mansions to power and heat in NJ, Mass, and Italy. His posh lifestyle requires massive quantities of fossil fuel. Hypocrite!”
Even if you’re a fan of Murphy, this statement did appear pretty tone-deaf and certainly didn’t do very well in terms of public relations.
