Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has recently come under scrutiny for a series of contradictory statements and policy positions spanning her time in office. These comments reflect a shifting stance on issues such as natural-gas pipelines, energy infrastructure, and public safety. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, her past remarks have resurfaced, prompting discussions about their implications for her leadership.
In a notable instance from 2022, Healey claimed she successfully halted two natural-gas pipelines destined for Massachusetts. Speaking on National Public Radio, she stated, “Remember, I stopped two gas pipelines from coming into this state.” However, during a 2025 interview, she contradicted this assertion, saying, “First of all, I didn’t do that.” This discrepancy raises questions about her accountability and transparency regarding energy policy.
Healey’s statements regarding public safety have also attracted attention. In 2024, she addressed a disturbing incident involving a disabled underage girl in one of her hotels, attributing the occurrence to unfortunate circumstances. When pressed on measures to prevent similar incidents, she touted a plan for criminal background checks on shelter residents, only to later acknowledge that the checks were not implemented universally, calling this oversight “absolutely unacceptable.”
The governor has faced criticism for her comments on gender and public safety as well. During a 2016 State House hearing, when women raised concerns about sharing restrooms with men, Healey dismissively advised them to “Hold it!” Her remarks came under renewed scrutiny in the wake of national conversations about gender identity and safety in public spaces.
Healey’s remarks during times of civil unrest have also drawn ire. In 2020, amidst protests and riots across the United States, she remarked to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, “Yes, America is burning, but that’s how forests grow.” Such comments have led to criticism regarding her sensitivity to the impacts of violence and unrest on communities.
In recent months, Healey has faced challenges stemming from her appointments and their implications. Following the November 2023 appointment of Monica Tibbets-Nutt as the state’s secretary of transportation, Healey lauded Tibbets-Nutt as a “proven leader.” However, this followed the $900 million Plazagate scandal on the Mass Pike, where Healey issued a brief press release regarding Tibbets-Nutt’s resignation, emphasizing the need for accountability in state leadership.
Healey has also publicly supported individuals facing legal issues. In 2025, after the indictment of Steve Tompkins, the Suffolk County sheriff, on federal corruption charges, Healey stated she needed to gather more information before calling for his resignation. This response has raised concerns about her commitment to ethical governance.
The governor’s evolving stance on immigration policy has further complicated her public image. In a recent interview, she firmly opposed any efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Massachusetts, stating, “Absolutely not.” Yet, when discussing former President Donald Trump‘s border policies, she acknowledged, “Some of what Trump has done makes a lot of sense.” This juxtaposition reflects a broader tension within her administration regarding immigration reform.
As Healey navigates these controversies, her past comments continue to emerge, shaping public perception. In April 2016, she faced backlash for attempting to conceal details about her office’s investigation into a corrupt drug-lab chemist. Such actions have led to speculation about transparency in her administration.
The upcoming elections will likely serve as a critical testing ground for Healey’s leadership and the public’s response to her evolving narratives. As Massachusetts residents evaluate her record, questions about accountability and consistency remain at the forefront of political discourse.
As Healey continues to address these issues, the anticipation for her next “greatest hits” remains palpable. The implications of her statements are not just rhetorical; they resonate with the citizens of Massachusetts who are seeking clarity and integrity from their leadership.
