Betting the Farm: How the Trump Administration and NJ Businesses Can Work Together

On Jan 19, 2026

Some of New Jersey’s economic future will be guided by the friction between Trenton and Washington. However, New Jersey’s economic vitality depends on business leaders and policymakers working together to find common ground.

Our team at Cottage Four has proudly served as bipartisan bridge builders to the White House and Cabinet, and we see tremendous opportunity in New Jersey. The Trump Administration’s focus on deregulation, infrastructure, manufacturing, and AI presents a massive opportunity for New Jersey’s logistics, pharma, and tech sectors.

There is common ground in unexpected places. In Cranbury Township, the Henry Farm case is a blueprint for this cooperation. Faced with an eminent domain seizure driven by municipal application of state housing mandates, the 175-year-old farm was on its way to being taken. Here, everyone agreed that property rights and affordable housing were both critically important – and together we found a solution where they can readily coexist.

Initially  the situation seemed unfixable: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, a vigorous proponent of farmers’ rights who brought a national spotlight to Henry Farm, had intervened and assembled a team of experts to exhaust all federal options to protect the farm. The Henry Farm lawyer, Timothy Duggan (Stark & Stark), was well-prepared to litigate the matter – and the tenuous relationship between Trenton and DC added uncertainty.

But together, we found a way forward. The Cottage Four team helped convene a meeting at USDA headquarters, and NJDCA Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez, NJ Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn, and Governor Murphy’s team joined Secretary Rollins and HUD Secretary Scott Turner to save Henry Farm – without compromising affordable housing.

New Jersey businesses and policymakers can drive federal resources flow into the state in similar fashion. Total political agreement is not necessary: only the right team, common interests and, in the case of Henry Farm, common good.

Cottage Four is a full-service consulting firm located in NJ and DC. We are heavily focused on business capture, government and public affairs, technology, healthcare, and workforce projects. We excel at solving problems for a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and government entities. Our experts focus on driving value to clients through innovative strategic solutions and insights, and unwavering commitment to client service and results.

Disclaimer: Sponsored content articles do not reflect the opinions of New Jersey Business Magazine or the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

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