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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 for Aquafina water bottles and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets vs. 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 that “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.


  New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly used nearly $12,000 in taxpayer funds on food and drink at MetLife Stadium. REUTERS New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reportedly used nearly $12,000 in taxpayer funds on food and drink at MetLife Stadium. REUTERS

But Sciortino said the governor’s office is “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.


  Among the expenses Murphy allegedly incurred were $90 for Aquafina water bottles and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets vs. Cowboys game in October 2019. REUTERS Among the expenses Murphy allegedly incurred were $90 for Aquafina water bottles and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets vs. Cowboys game in October 2019. REUTERS

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.

How much Murphy spent at MetLife events

  • $936 for snacks at July 2018 Taylor Swift concert
  • $2,095 at September 2018 USA vs. Brazil soccer game
  • $1,413 at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in June 2019
  • $2,856 at September 2019 USA vs. Mexico soccer game
  • $2,479 at October 2019 Jets vs. Cowboys game

The invoices do not show whom Murphy was meeting with or what event was taking place at his multimillion-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 forgo living in the Governor’s Mansion,” Sciortino told Politico, referring to the official state residence named Drumthwacket.

“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.”


  The governor’s office says they are trying to get the state Democratic Party to refund the expenses. AP The governor’s office says they are trying to get the state Democratic Party to refund the expenses. AP

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 for 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 an art studio, as well as $2,300 for 184 custom New Jersey-themed coasters, 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 an art book on Jersey Shore paintings.

Sciortino said the cufflinks, pens, plates, coasters and art books were all “official gifts” for “customary purposes,” which would be allowed under state law.


  Murphy also allegedly spent $253 at the New Jersey State Museum Shop shortly after taking office. AP Murphy also allegedly spent $253 at the New Jersey State Museum Shop shortly after taking office. AP

“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.

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