New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly used nearly $12,000 in taxpayer money to fund food and drinks at MetLife Stadium, where he attended various sporting events and concerts, including Taylor Swift’s 2018 “Reputation Tour.”
He also allegedly used the taxpayer-funded expense account to buy gold cuff links and “Heirloom Pen Battle Sites,” according to records obtained by Politico.
In a statement to The Post, a spokesperson for the governor’s office said Murphy had “every expectation” the Democratic State Committee would pick up the tab for the food and drinks at MetLife Stadium — including $90 on Aquafina water bottles and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets v. Cowboys game in October 2019 — because it “traditionally covers these costs.”
“Once it was clear that there were outstanding bills that had not been paid, the state stepped up to meet this responsibility,” Jennifer Sciortino said, noting, “the $12,000 in question occurred during a time of staff transition for the state party.”
It remains unclear what gubernatorial business Murphy, who took office in 2018, may have had at the “Reputation Tour” or at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019 — which featured Cardi B and Meek Mill.
It is also unclear who may have been with the governor at the time.
But Sciortino said the governor’s office is now “pursuing reimbursement from the state party for costs incurred at MetLife Stadium.”
Phil Swibinski, a spokesman for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, also told Politico: “We are looking into this matter in order to determine whether any additional action is necessary at this time.”
He noted, however, that the committee “had no knowledge” of the invoices because they came before the current party leadership.
The Post has reached out to the state Democratic Party for more information.
$936 for snacks at July 2018 Taylor Swift concert
$2,095 at September 2018 USA v. Brazil soccer game
$1,413 at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019
$2,856 at September 2019 USA v. Mexico soccer game
$2,479 at October 2019 Jets v. Cowboys game
But Sciortino insisted to Politico that all of the other expenses Murphy used the account to pay for were allowed under state law, which dictates the $95,000-a-year fund is to be used only for “official receptions, official residence and other official expenses.”
It is not to be used for “personal expenses” and “cannot supplement [the] governor’s annual $175,000 salary.”
The records show that in August 2021, Murphy spent just over $3,000 for catering staff that was sent to his personal residence in Monmouth County.
The invoices do not show who Murphy was meeting with or what event was taking place at his multi-million dollar home, according to Politico, but there was also a $1,620 valet parking invoice for an event that same day.
“Governor Murphy, like others before him, has chosen to forego living in the Governor’s Mansion,” Sciortino told Politico.
“On occasion, he hosts official state business at his residence, such as dinners with legislative leadership, which are catered by the Drumthwacket chef, occasionally with help from outside catering companies if the event is larger in nature.”
In May 2018, the governor’s office also spent $253 at the New Jersey State Museum Shop — doling out $108 for two pairs of “New Jersey State Seal Gold Cufflinks” and $145 on five “Heirloom Pen Battle Sites” pens.
For both purchases, Murphy received a 10% discount for state employees.
Other invoices obtained by Politico show the governor spent more than $3,000 for 30 custom plates from a stained art studio, as well as $2,300 for 184 custom New Jersey-themed coaster, which Sciortino said was part of a publicly-advertised “official state gift” contest for New Jersey artists.
Another $900 purchase was made from the account for 50 copies of a New Jersey art book on Jersey Shore paintings.
Sciortino said the cufflinks, pens, plates, coasters and artbooks were all “official gifts” for customary purposes,” which would be allowed under the state law.
“Governors and foreign dignitaries — such as heads of state, ambassadors and consul generals — traditionally gift one another with official state gifts,” she said, noting that the items mentioned were “purchased at the very onset of the administration.
“The completed items, along with the book ‘Jersey Shore Impressionists’ were eventually purchased as official gifts for meetings with dignitaries.”
Despite these expenses, the records show Murphy did not deplete the account every year.
More than $25.000 went unused between 2019 and 2022, Politico reports, and was returned to the state budget.