NJ Governor Spent Public Funds On Taylor Swift Concert, Luxury Items
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has come under the spotlight again after reports emerged of the governor’s questionable expenditures. These include nearly $12,000 of public money spent on entertainment and catering at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, where the governor enjoyed shows of all kinds — even attending a concert by left-wing entertainer Taylor Swift.
Along with entertainment expenses, Murphy reportedly purchased luxury items such as gold cuff links and designer pens using the state’s funds.
An official from Murphy’s office has confirmed that they intended for the Democratic State Committee to take care of these costs. This included footing the bill for extravagant snacks and extras during a football game between the Jets and the Cowboys in October 2019.
Amid the growing outrage, the governor’s spokesperson, Jennifer Sciortino, has insisted that the governor’s intention was to have the state’s Democratic Party reimburse the incurred costs. She added an excuse for the expenses, claiming that they happened during a confusing time when the party was transitioning staff.
While the Democratic State Committee, according to its spokesperson Phil Swibinski, is currently assessing the situation, they have claimed to be unaware of the invoices Murphy and his team insist exist.
Sciortino claimed that other expenses from Murphy’s account, which were reportedly sanctioned, did follow state law, which states the governor’s $95,000 annual expense account should not serve personal needs nor augment the governor’s salary.
Along with the obvious questions raised by Murphy’s spending on entertainment and fashion, there are other concerning expenses, such as items like $90 Aquafina water bottles and $45 extra guacamole. Detailed bills revealed significant amounts spent on various occasions.
The expenses also extended to items meant for official state gifts, such as customized plates and New Jersey-themed coasters. These, Sciortino explained, were part of an official contest and were intended as state gifts for dignitaries. She also defended the purchase of luxury cuff links and artisan pens as part of a tradition of exchanging gifts among state heads and foreign dignitaries.
Murphy, who replaced former Republican Gov. Chris Christie, will likely be facing serious questions about these unusual transactions conducted under suspicious circumstances for some time if he cannot provide a satisfactory explanation to the public. New Jersey voters may not be willing to accept “we meant to pay it back” from Democrats in the state when the next election comes up.
