Political feuds are nothing new in the realm of American politics. They often arise from ideological differences, personal clashes, or strategic disagreements. One such feud that captured the attention of the nation was the contentious relationship between Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey, and Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States.
In the early stages of the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Chris Christie, known for his blunt speaking style and tough-on-crime stance, was among the first prominent Republican politicians to endorse Donald Trump. This endorsement came as a surprise to many, given Christie’s previous clashes with Trump and his reputation as a moderate Republican. The endorsement was seen as a strategic move to gain political leverage and secure a potential position in a Trump administration.
However, their friendship took a turn for the worse as the primary race intensified. Christie’s own presidential campaign had faltered, and he found himself serving as a surrogate for Trump. Throughout this period, the two men engaged in public spats, exchanging barbs and insults. Christie’s loyalty to Trump seemed to waver, leading many to question the authenticity of his support.
One of the most significant sources of friction between Christie and Trump was the Bridgegate scandal that unfolded during Christie’s tenure as governor. In 2013, it was revealed that several of Christie’s aides had orchestrated a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge as an act of political retaliation against a mayor who did not endorse Christie’s re-election campaign. The scandal tarnished Christie’s reputation and raised questions about his leadership.
During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump did not shy away from using Bridgegate against Christie. He questioned Christie’s judgment and portrayed him as a weak leader. Trump’s attacks on Christie’s handling of the scandal further strained their relationship, creating a rift that would prove difficult to mend.
The feud between Christie and Trump reached its peak following the 2016 election. Despite Christie’s early support, he was not offered a significant role in the new administration. Many speculated that Christie’s association with Bridgegate and his declining popularity in New Jersey contributed to Trump’s decision to exclude him from top positions.
Christie’s exclusion from the Trump administration seemed to embitter him further, and he became more vocal in his criticism of the President. He criticized Trump’s policies, leadership style, and handling of various issues. Christie’s public disapproval of Trump further solidified their feud and marked a definitive break in their once-allied relationship.
The Christie-Trump feud had broader implications for both men’s political careers. For Christie, the fallout meant the end of his national political ambitions. His association with Trump, coupled with the Bridgegate scandal, damaged his reputation and diminished his standing within the Republican Party. Christie left office in January 2018 with low approval ratings and limited prospects for future political roles.
On the other hand, Donald Trump weathered the feud relatively unscathed. His presidency allowed him to maintain a loyal base of supporters, largely overshadowing any intra-party disputes. While the Christie feud may have added to the list of adversaries Trump accumulated during his political career, it did not significantly impact his political trajectory or dampen his influence within the Republican Party.
Now, Christie, who is trying to reimagine himself as a moderate choice for President, is using the feud to distance himself from the former President and to drop soundbites in order to remain relevant in the 2024 GOP primary election.
Christie, who is polling below 0% in most polls, believes he can capture the anti-Trump wing of the GOP which is quickly becoming a crowded field.