Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) caught fierce backlash from social media critics who unloaded on the two-term governor over his praise of President Donald Trump.
Murphy has notably clashed with officials in neighboring New York over that state's plan to curb congestion in New York City through steep fees.
Trump this week moved to end the city's congestion pricing program, though it has not yet been officially terminated.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration said it revoked federal authorization for the state's congestion pricing tolls. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority quickly sued to challenge the order in federal court, and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) and the MTA said toll cameras would remain operational for now.
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But across the Hudson River, Murphy broke with Democrats and applauded the MAGA leader.
"I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their efforts to halt the current congestion pricing program. While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing, the current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans," he said in a statement Wednesday.
Murphy's quickly caught flak from critics.
"Phil Murphy is a disgrace," jabbed Tom Watson, author of The Liberal newsletter.
"Phil Murphy is a Democrat. Once again, the current field of Democratic leadership shows themselves as being completely unfit and unprepared for this moment," chided former Kansas state legislator Raj Goyle on X. "Yesterday, Donald Trump declared himself king and announced illegal unilateral action over New Yorkers. Today, this 'Democrat' praises him. Pathetic. We need new Democratic leadership and we need it now."
"[I] hope new jersey democratic governor phil murphy is proud of himself for working with trump to doom NYC congestion pricing. hope aligning with a fascist was worth it, phil," slammed independent journalist Marisa Kabas.
"Trump: 'I am a king' Phil Murphy: 'thank you sir' Murphy is an utter disgrace," wrote Sam Deutsch, author of the "Better Cities" newsletter, on Bluesky.