Podcast Summary: "Is New Jersey Going MAGA? - with Governor Phil Murphy"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know
• Host/Author: 186k Films
• Episode: Is New Jersey Going MAGA? - with Governor Phil Murphy
• Release Date: July 4, 2025
• Description: Two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian and noted IBS sufferer Hasan Minhaj sits down with the biggest names in politics, culture, and tech with questions that are as thought-provoking as they are absurd. Never deferential but always respectful, Hasan approaches his guests with a genuine curiosity in the hope that talking points can be left at the door.

1. Introduction and Context

The episode features a candid conversation between host Hasan Minhaj and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The discussion delves into the political landscape of New Jersey, exploring shifts toward conservative ideologies, recent policy debates, and Governor Murphy's unique approach to governance.

[00:18] Hasan: "You are our third governor on the show. How does that feel?"

[01:33] Phil Murphy: "Top three, bronze medal. I'm cool."

2. Drones and National Security Concerns

The conversation kicks off with a playful yet pointed discussion about unidentified drones flying over New Jersey. Hasan brings up reports of "unnerving" aerial activities, prompting Governor Murphy to address the issue seriously.

[02:05] Phil Murphy: "Believe it or not, based on everything... there are no aliens."

[03:08] Phil Murphy: "This exposed, in my humble opinion, a big weakness for our national security."

Governor Murphy emphasizes the need for strengthened national defenses concerning drone surveillance, comparing the situation to a "9/11 without the tragedy of loss of extraordinary lives."

3. Congestion Pricing in New Jersey

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the contentious issue of congestion pricing in New York City and its impact on New Jersey commuters. Hasan provides an overview of the policy, which imposes a $9 toll on drivers entering below 60th Street in Manhattan, aimed at raising funds for public transit upgrades.

[04:07] Phil Murphy: "We've got the strongest environmental record of any administration anywhere in the country over the past seven and a half years."

Governor Murphy explains New Jersey's resistance to the proposed congestion pricing deal, highlighting concerns about displaced pollution in Northern Jersey and advocating for a fairer arrangement that benefits New Jerseyans without imposing excessive costs on commuters.

[04:41] Phil Murphy: "The other side has not been willing to engage... We have got a challenge like that. Every big transit system in America has that challenge."

4. Immigration Policies and Federal Investigations

The dialogue shifts to immigration, where Governor Murphy addresses recent statements by U.S. Attorney Alina Haba, who announced an investigation into his administration's handling of immigration matters.

[14:11] Alina Haba (Clip): "I have instructed my office today to open an investigation into Governor Murphy."

[16:01] Phil Murphy: "We cooperate with the feds on immigration matters all the time."

Governor Murphy defends New Jersey's "Immigrant Trust Directive," which separates immigration enforcement from local law enforcement, ensuring that individuals feel safe reporting crimes without fear of immigration repercussions.

[17:09] Hasan: "On some level... that you just played."

[17:30] Phil Murphy: "We are a nation of immigrants, and there's no state in America that speaks to that more loudly than New Jersey."

5. Political Climate and Election Shifts in New Jersey

Hasan and Governor Murphy discuss the political shifts observed in New Jersey's recent elections, noting a "redshift" where Democrats saw reduced margins compared to previous elections.

[24:22] Hasan: "In 2020, Biden carried New Jersey by about 16 points. This time Kamala won by less than 6."

[26:14] Phil Murphy: "I think we'll have a really good candidate. It'll be a very good election. But I think on the margin the Democrats gonna be favored."

Governor Murphy attributes these shifts to national political dynamics, particularly the influence of former President Donald Trump, and emphasizes the importance of Democratic strategies in upcoming elections.

6. Phil Murphy's Background: Goldman Sachs and Public Service

A personal segment explores Governor Murphy's extensive career at Goldman Sachs and his transition into public service, highlighting a tradition of Goldman Sachs alumni entering government roles.

[37:02] Phil Murphy: "It's sort of... it's in the air. You got to do your part for society."

[38:09] Hasan: "What is it about Goldman that makes people want to get into government?"

[40:07] Phil Murphy: "We all had big, important day jobs... there's an opportunity to give into the public service sort of lane."

7. Legislative Achievements and Policy Initiatives

The discussion turns to Governor Murphy's legislative accomplishments, including automatic voter registration, expanded paid family leave, legalization of recreational marijuana, and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

[27:24] Hasan: "It's going to be a whole lot more... minimum wage to $15 an hour."

[28:11] Phil Murphy: "We don't govern by polling and we don't govern by politics... they're overwhelmingly well received and supported."

Governor Murphy emphasizes that these policies are driven by principles and the well-being of New Jerseyans, not by political gain.

8. Personal Insights and Philosophy

Governor Murphy shares his approach to leadership, balancing empathy with decisive action. He recounts managing family discussions on politics, reflecting the importance of understanding and addressing constituents' concerns.

[29:36] Phil Murphy: "You have to have empathy and sympathy with folks... and do something."

He also draws parallels between historical events in Germany and current political challenges, advocating for vigilance against extremism.

[33:30] Phil Murphy: "That's a very relevant lesson that is out there right now for us."

9. Future Outlook and Conclusion

In the concluding segments, Governor Murphy discusses upcoming events like the Club World Cup in New Jersey, emphasizing readiness and collaboration with New York City. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted exchange and final reflections on New Jersey's appeal as a place to live.

[42:40] Phil Murphy: "Number one, without question, literally, this week just ranked the number one public education system in America."

[44:24] Phil Murphy: "We wear that as a badge of honor. We are literally, I think, the most diverse state in America."

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Hasan and Governor Murphy, highlighting the state's strengths and addressing future challenges with optimism.

Notable Quotes:

• Governor Phil Murphy on National Security:

  "[03:08] 'This was a classic one of this way from the highest levels of government. No one really could explain what was happening. We ultimately got the equipment that confirmed that this... we are exposed.'"

• Governor Phil Murphy on Congestion Pricing:

  "[04:00] 'I want to admit that was wrong about congestion pricing.'... '[04:07] 'We have the strongest environmental record of any administration anywhere in the country over the past seven and a half years.'"

• Governor Phil Murphy on Immigration:

  "[16:02] 'If you've committed a crime... you are not held responsible if you approach a member of law enforcement and say, hey...'"

• Governor Phil Murphy on Legislative Decisions:

  "[28:11] 'We don't govern by polling and we don't govern by politics...'"

Conclusion This episode of "Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know" offers an in-depth exploration of Governor Phil Murphy's administration, addressing pressing issues from transportation and environmental policies to immigration and political dynamics. Through respectful debate and insightful dialogue, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of New Jersey's current trajectory and the strategies employed to navigate complex challenges.