Sherrill Suggests N.J. Could Stop Paying Federal Taxes in Swipe at Trump
New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill suggested withholding federal tax dollars to protest former President Donald Trump’s administration, sparking a political discussion. Her aggressive tone and unique idea during a podcast interview with New Jersey resident Jon Stewart earlier this week garnered attention.
Sherrill said she “thinks about all the time” halting federal tax payments as part of a strategy to ensure New Jersey gets its fair share of federal support in the interview. She stressed that as governor, she will advocate for locals and challenge federal decisions she believes hurt the state.
Sherrill said she routinely discusses ways to “claw back” federal money and that the courts may be a good place to start any serious dispute. Since residents and businesses, not the state government, make tax payments to Washington, she could not explain how it would work. She seemed more aggressive before becoming New Jersey’s 57th governor.
On Thursday, Sherrill resigned from Congress after four terms to become governor. Her win over Republican Jack Ciattarelli earlier this month ended one of the nation’s most closely watched gubernatorial races, with many believing it showed Trump’s ongoing impact in state-level elections. Similar campaigns in Virginia and New York City showed that national politics still dominate local elections.
Sherrill also mentioned California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent comments that his state may consider withholding federal tax contributions throughout the show. No state has implemented such a strategy, but Sherrill said the talk underscores states’ unhappiness at paying more into the federal system than they receive. New Jersey consistently pays more in federal taxes than it receives in federal spending, according to several studies.
Sherrill questioned whether taxpayers should finance ineffective programs. She said residents shouldn’t support a system that doesn’t deliver, like paying for a service but not receiving it. She raised worries about government funding throughout her campaign, notably when Trump “terminated” the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel project connecting New Jersey and New York. The project’s suspension during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history became a major issue in the final weeks of the race.
Sherrill slammed the decision on the campaign trail, saying she will lead New Jersey by serving residents directly, not responding to federal pressure. She stressed that New Jersey’s objectives come first and that her government will fight policies that endanger infrastructure or economic growth.
Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger joined Stewart to talk national politics, state grievances, and their upcoming responsibilities. Sherrill made it apparent that she would lead New Jersey with a strong and independent voice, even if it meant challenging federal power more than previous governors.
As she prepares to take office, Sherrill’s words suggest a governorship marked by conflict, reform, and a willingness to oppose Washington when New Jersey is shortchanged. Withholding federal tax dollars, whether it becomes a policy conversation or a symbolic show of disapproval, has set the tone for a bold administration.
