In a glaring act of political animosity that has drawn sharp criticism, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill reportedly defied a nationwide proclamation issued by President Donald Trump to lower U.S. flags to half-staff in remembrance of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. While President Trump honored Senator Graham as a "fantastic man" and "great politician," directing flags to remain at half-staff through Saturday evening, Governor Sherrill’s administration apparently chose partisan pettiness over national unity and respect for a decorated veteran.
New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio, R-Boonton, did not mince words, telling Fox News Digital, "This is probably the most political [Trenton administration], and she's only been there six months — probably the most political governor I've served with in the last 25 years." Pennacchio had formally requested Governor Sherrill adhere to the national directive earlier in the week, following Senator Graham’s passing.
Adding insult to injury, sources in Trenton confirmed that flags at the Capitol remained resolutely at full-staff as of midday Thursday. The New Jersey Department of State website, the official tracker for flag status, brazenly displayed "all flags full-staff," a stark visual confirmation of Sherrill’s deliberate non-compliance.
Governor Sherrill's office has remained conspicuously silent, failing to respond to multiple requests for comment on this astonishing oversight. She appears to be among a select few Democratic state leaders who chose to disregard the White House's solemn proclamation, turning a moment of national mourning into a political statement.
Remarkably, some of Sherrill’s Democratic counterparts acted with more grace. Neighboring Delaware Governor Matt Meyer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro both reportedly ordered flags lowered, recognizing the importance of such a tribute. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also failed to issue similar half-staff orders, with their states' official flag statuses remaining "full-staff" as of Thursday. The pattern suggests a troubling selective amnesia when it comes to honoring conservative figures.
Senator Pennacchio highlighted the profound disrespect in Sherrill’s inaction, emphasizing that honoring public servants like Graham should transcend partisan divides. He pointed to Graham's distinguished decades-long service as a U.S. Air Force veteran and his often bipartisan nature on crucial votes, including the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.
"My request was very respectful. It wasn't partisan at all," Pennacchio stated, underscoring the non-political nature of his appeal, especially given that Governor Sherrill herself is a veteran. The refusal to acknowledge Graham's service, despite their shared military background, speaks volumes about Sherrill’s priorities.
The irony deepens when considering that Sherrill represented Pennacchio’s state Senate district during her time in Congress, a period when, according to Pennacchio, their offices collaborated effectively on constituent services. This history of cooperation makes Sherrill's current stance all the more perplexing and disheartening, showcasing a profound shift towards hardened partisanship.
Further isolating Governor Sherrill’s position, even one of New Jersey’s most prominent Democrats, Senator Cory Booker, rose above the fray to record a heartfelt video honoring Senator Graham. Booker recounted being advised by Senator Richard Durbin, D-Ill., that Graham would be an excellent bipartisan colleague for criminal justice reform, an endorsement that led to significant cross-aisle cooperation.
Booker shared an anecdote where Graham, initially wary due to a tough South Carolina primary, jokingly dismissed a bipartisan meeting, only to follow through "true to his word" after the election, rolling up his sleeves to work on the First Step Act. This bipartisan achievement, born from mutual respect, stands in stark contrast to Governor Sherrill’s cold shoulder.
Senator Pennacchio applauded Booker’s gesture, noting, "Senator Booker is as partisan as they come, but he did the right thing and put his partisanship aside." He added a profound reminder: "The death of one diminishes a little bit of all of us."
Adding to the chorus of tribute, Rep. Christopher Smith, a Republican representing the Jersey Shore and the Garden State's longest-serving congressman, lauded Graham as an "indefatigable and courageous fighter for the right to life, human rights, liberty and freedom." Smith continued, "He was articulate and persuasive and brought both incisive candor and humor to debate. He was a national treasure and will be deeply missed. My wife, Marie, and I offer our deepest condolences to his family."
The refusal by Governor Sherrill to simply lower a flag, a basic gesture of national respect, highlights a disturbing trend where political animosity trumps common decency and national remembrance. As Senator Pennacchio rightly concluded, "Our nation has long understood that when a public servant passes away after a lifetime of service to the American people, we come together and honor them with dignity and respect. New Jersey should not be the exception." This incident serves as a stark reminder that even in death, partisan divides are weaponized by some, undermining the very fabric of unity and respect that defines American values.
