Remember When: NJ Gov. Murphy Called Matt Gaetz A 'Putz' In Response To Jersey City Event

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — While some people may want to put the covid pandemic in the rear view, others can't forget.

Besides the deaths in New Jersey that peaked in spring 2020, there were heated political battles throughout the year, including a local tiff involving New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the man who is now President-Elect Trump's attorney general pick, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. Murphy Calls Congressman 'Putz' For Attending Jersey City Event

Four years ago, in December of 2020, a member of a New York young Republicans group Tweeted an apparent taunt at then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, implying they were going to hold a fundraiser in the area. The Tweet challenged Cuomo to "come and get me" for possibly violating a limit on indoor gatherings.

The New York Times wrote an article saying the group was hosting a "secret gala" in the area.

That's when a reporter revealed that the event was actually taking place across the river at Jersey City restaurant.

Murphy responded by zinging the event's special guest, Rep,. Matt Gaetz — who had recently worn a gas mask on the House of Representatives floor.

Murphy wrote, "It is also beyond the pale that Rep Matt Putz – I mean @RepMattGaetz – would participate in this. What a fool. Matt – You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state."

The restaurant responded that they had not violated covid protocol.

The president-elect said Wednesday that he supported Gaetz to become the attorney general. Gaetz promptly resigned from Congress later in the day.

He will have to be confirmed by the Senate to get the spot.

Walk down memory lane:

• Murphy Calls Congressman 'Putz' For Attending Jersey City Event
• Jersey City Officials Shut Restaurant After Fundraiser