New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy reportedly spent nearly $12,000 of taxpayer money on food and drinks at MetLife Stadium, including during Taylor Swift’s “Reputation Tour” concert and a hip-hop music festival.
In addition to food and catering, Murphy also spent $108 on two pairs of “NJ State Seal Gold Cuff Links” and $145 on five “Heirloom Pen Battle Sites” pens, according to public records obtained by POLITICS.
The governor’s office “was confident” the Democratic State Committee would cover food and beverage costs at the stadium, said Murphy’s spokesperson, Jennifer Sciortino.
The state party would cover the stadium costs because it “traditionally covers these costs,” Sciortino said.
This includes $936 spent on snacks at a Taylor Swift concert in July 2018 and $1,413 spent at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019, featuring Cardi B and Meek Mill.
Phil Murphy (pictured at the 15th annual New Jersey Hall of Fame induction ceremony) reportedly spent nearly $12,000 of taxpayer money on food and drinks at MetLife Stadium
The expenses included $936 spent on snacks at a Taylor Swift concert in July 2018 and $1,413 spent at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019, featuring Cardi B and Meek Mill.
He also spent $90 on Aquafina water and $45 for extra guacamole during the Jets vs. Cowboys (photo) in October 2019
The data also lists items from the governor’s purchases at MetLife Stadium, such as $90 for Aquafina water and $45 for extra guacamole at the Jets vs. Cowboys game in October 2019, among the thousands of dollars he has spent on football and soccer games.
“Once it became clear that there were outstanding bills that had not been paid, the state stepped in to assume this responsibility,” Sciortino said in a statement to POLITICO.
She added that “the $12,000 in question occurred at a time of personnel transition for the state party.”
However, the Democratic State Committee of New Jersey said it had “no knowledge of” the bills since they came before the current party leadership, according to Phil Swibinski, a spokesman for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.
“We are investigating the matter to determine if additional action is necessary at this time,” he said.
From taking office in 2018 until July 2023, Murphy also spent $280,000 on grocery store purchases, restaurant catering or reception catering staff, much of it for events at his mansion.
In August 2021, just over $3,000 was spent on catering staff for an event at Murphy’s personal residence in Monmouth County.
The same day there was a $1,620 parking bill for an event.
The expenses were labeled as meetings with Cabinet members, senior staff or legislative meetings, although it remains unclear who was present at Murphy’s home.
“Governor Murphy, like others before him, has chosen not to live in the official Governor’s Mansion,” Sciortino said.
Murphy spent nearly $12,000 of taxpayer money on food and drinks at MetLife Stadium, including during Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation Tour’ concert
The governor’s office “was confident” that the Democratic State Committee would cover the cost of food and beverages at the stadium, said Murphy’s spokesperson, Jennifer Sciortino.
“He occasionally hosts official state affairs in his hometown, such as legislative leadership dinners, which are catered by Drumthwacket’s executive chef, occasionally with assistance from outside catering companies if the event is larger in nature.”
Murphy spent $108 on two pairs of “NJ State Seal Gold Cuff Links,” $145 on five “Heirloom Pen Battle Sites” pens, $3,118 on 30 custom signs from a stained glass art studio and $2,300 on 184 custom coasters with a New Jersey theme.
As a state employee, Murphy received a 10 percent discount on the first two purchases.
Those were “official state gifts” for customary purposes, Sciortino said.
‘Governors and foreign dignitaries – such as heads of state, ambassadors and consul generals – traditionally give each other official state gifts,’
‘The items mentioned were purchased at the start of the administration. The completed items were eventually purchased along with the book ‘Jersey Shore Impressionists’ as official gifts for meetings with dignitaries.”
Records show Murphy did not fully deplete his expense account, with $25,000 remaining unused and returned to the state between 2019 and 2022.