Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts finds herself at the center of scrutiny following a collection of statements that appear contradictory and at times controversial. These remarks span various issues, from energy policies to public safety, leading critics to question her consistency and transparency.
In recent discussions, Healey’s comments regarding natural gas pipelines have drawn particular attention. In a statement from 2022, she claimed to have halted the construction of two gas pipelines, asserting, “I also went to the Supreme Judicial Court to make sure that obsolete, soon-to-be-obsolete, pipeline infrastructure wasn’t gonna be built on the backs of our ratepayers.” However, when asked about this statement in 2025, she responded, “First of all, I didn’t do that.” This shift in position has left observers wondering about her true stance on energy infrastructure.
Healey’s narrative on energy continued to evolve as she recently blamed former President Donald Trump for increased costs associated with building energy infrastructure. “Get rid of the tariffs on aluminum and steel because the aluminum and steel that we need to build out our energy infrastructure here, to bring more energy in, now costs a lot more to build out,” she stated. This remark highlights her ongoing challenges in addressing the state’s energy needs amidst rising costs.
The governor’s handling of public safety issues has also come under fire. Following a tragic incident in which a disabled underage girl was assaulted by an undocumented immigrant, Healey remarked, “It is unfortunate that from time to time, things will happen.” She later claimed to have ordered comprehensive background checks for shelter residents, only to admit that this initiative did not occur at all sites, which she deemed “absolutely unacceptable.”
Healey’s comments at a April 2016 State House hearing regarding women’s safety also raised eyebrows. When women expressed concerns about sharing restrooms with transgender individuals, she responded, “To them, I say if you’ve got that much of a problem, ‘Hold it!’” This comment was met with backlash, as many interpreted it as dismissive of legitimate concerns.
In a broader context, Healey has faced criticism for her responses to national events, including the civil unrest in June 2020. While addressing business leaders, she remarked, “Yes, America is burning, but that’s how forests grow,” a statement that many viewed as insensitive given the violence occurring nationwide.
Healey’s recent appointments have also sparked debate. In November 2023, she appointed Monica Tibbets-Nutt as the state’s secretary of transportation, praising her as a “proven leader.” Yet, following the $900 million scandal involving the Mass Pike, Healey’s brief statement regarding Tibbets-Nutt’s resignation raised questions about her accountability and oversight.
Further complicating her political landscape, Healey’s endorsement of controversial figures such as Rachael Rollins, who resigned in May 2023 due to corruption allegations, has drawn scrutiny. Healey had previously stated that Rollins “brings a valuable perspective and commitment to reforming a criminal justice system.”
The governor’s comments on immigration and crime have also generated controversy. In November 2024, she expressed her opposition to efforts aimed at removing undocumented immigrants from Massachusetts. Yet, in May 2025, she expressed some agreement with Trump’s southern border policies, saying, “Some of what Trump has done makes a lot of sense.”
Additionally, Healey’s remarks regarding renewable energy have sparked debate. She once referred to Massachusetts as having “the Saudi Arabia of wind right off our shores,” but faced backlash after a wind turbine blade fell into Nantucket Sound in July 2024, which caused environmental concerns.
The governor’s record on public health during the COVID-19 pandemic has also come under examination. In a 2020 interview, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear a mask, a statement that many found controversial given the broader implications of health mandates.
As Maura Healey navigates the complexities of governance, her evolving statements on critical issues continue to fuel debate among constituents and political analysts alike. This scrutiny raises important questions regarding her leadership and commitment to transparency. As the political landscape evolves, future remarks may further illuminate her positions and the implications for Massachusetts residents.
