New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy forged a unique relationship with President Donald Trump that could help the blue state when Trump returns to the White House.
While the Democratic governor is preparing to clash with Republicans on immigration and women’s rights, Murphy is also looking to work with Trump on issues like infrastructure.
“If it’s contrary to our values, we will fight to the death,” Murphy said in a Wednesday press conference on the election. “If there’s an opportunity for common ground, we will seize that as fast as anybody.”
Nobody is calling them besties but Murphy has a relationship with Trump and his family unlike any other blue state leader. Murphy, who has led both the Democratic Governors Association and the nonpartisan National Governors Association, expects talking about his Trump strategy with other Democrats could be a “big chunk of my life over the next couple of months.”
Some Democratic governors walked a fine line with Trump when he was in office, but Murphy kept it up after Trump left the White House by staying in touch with the former president, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
It’s paid off — Kushner reportedly helped secure the 2026 World Cup, Trump greenlit a new bridge to New York City and Murphy praised the former president’s aid to New Jersey during the pandemic.
But after Harris’ defeat, Murphy is prepared to be at odds with Trump on issues like immigration, women’s rights, gun safety and clean energy.
“You can never give up your values and principles to get something done,” Murphy said in an interview.