NEWARK, New Jersey — Minutes after getting sworn in as governor of the Garden State, Democrat Mikie Sherrill tore into President Trump in a divisive inauguration speech — accusing him of “illegally usurping power.”
Sherrill, who focused much of her 2025 gubernatorial campaign as a referendum on the president, boasted that she would soon battle Trump on many fronts, particularly on his deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“This election proved that the people of New Jersey recognize the parallels,” the new governor declared, after touting New Jersey’s role in the Revolutionary War.
“We see a president illegally usurping power,” she boomed.
“He has unconstitutionally enacted a tariff regime to make billions for himself and his family, while everyone else sees costs go higher and higher.
“On November 4th, the people of New Jersey once again gave the nation a glimmer of something it hadn’t felt in months: hope.”
Sherrill also had some of Trump’s most prominent adversaries in the audience, including Republican former Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Sherrill’s former roommate, Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who was sworn in Saturday, was also in attendance.
Outside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center — where some 2,000 people packed into the auditorium, according to her spokesperson — 19 cannons blasted in a nod to the state’s Revolutionary roots, and a Black Hawk helicopter flew over.
Despite leaving her old job as a congresswoman last year, Sherrill made clear that she is not ditching her concerns for national politics.
Although New Jersey has historically been a Democratic stronghold, Sherrill portrayed it as the heart of resistance against Trump.
“Two hundred fifty years after General Washington crossed the Delaware into the promised land, I am proud that once again, New Jersey is leading the way,” she proclaimed.
“New Jersey, in my humble opinion, never gets enough appreciation,” she grumbled at another point in her address.
“So, as the newest leader of our great state, for all these artists, battles, and innovations, I wanted to take a moment to say, ‘You’re welcome, America.’”
Sherrill’s focus on national politics had given fodder to her Republican foe, Jack Ciattarelli, who largely concentrated on local issues. Ciattarelli did not appear to be at the inauguration.
The president often swings through the Garden State because of his swanky Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Sherill claimed over the weekend that she has not spoken with him since her electoral victory.
However, the president has engaged with some of his foes. In November, Trump had a lovefest meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani — and the two have continued to text since, The Post revealed.
“These are some weary years. But I’ll be damned if in this state, at this time, we cry any silent tears,” Sherrill declared.
“We refuse to be silent as doors are shut on too many of our friends and neighbors.
“Too many children and seniors who don’t have enough to eat, people who work too hard and still can’t get ahead, communities living in fear, children who are afraid that their parents will disappear in an ICE raid while they are at school.”
A former federal prosecutor is now the first female Democrat elected to Drumthwacket. Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, another Democrat, is the first black male to serve in that role.
Sherrill’s inauguration also marks the first time in modern history that Democrats have won the governor’s office for more than two terms in a row.
Now that she’s been sworn in, Sherrill is set to fulfil her Day One promises, including an executive order declaring a state of emergency to freeze utility rate hikes.
She will also sign an executive order to boost clean energy production.
“I hope, New Jersey, you remember me when you open your electric bill and it hasn’t gone up another 20 percent,” she chided.
“I can promise you, it won’t be because I waste your money on a ballroom at Drumthwacket,” she added, taking a cheap jab at Trump.
Finally striking a lighter tone, Sherill poked fun at the controversy over her comments on “pork roll.” She also thanked her old Naval Academy classmates who were in attendance.
“You know, in this election, I learned that in South Jersey, they pronounce Taylor Ham ‘pork roll’! But we all go home at night and hug our kids and worry about them,” she said.
Sherrill had been barred from walking during her 1994 commencement at the Naval Academy for her role in a cheating scandal — the precise details of which are still somewhat murky.
“This is just the beginning. We are going to take on the affordability crisis, and we are going to shake up the status quo,” Sherrill vowed.
