Chris Christie, once a key ally of Donald Trump, has now joined a growing list of Republicans raising concerns about the former president’s mental sharpness. In a recent conversation with New York Times journalist Frank Bruni, the former New Jersey governor didn’t mince words, saying that Trump’s capabilities have significantly declined since his first presidential run in 2016.
Christie highlighted how Trump’s once-quick ability to make a point has noticeably faded. He mentioned that while Trump still has the energy and physical presence that some may associate with vitality, his actual communication skills have taken a hit. “He wasn’t as good in 2020 as he was in 2016,” Christie observed, pointing to a visible deterioration in his performance. And now, running for a third time, Christie sees this decline even more starkly.
This public criticism comes at a time when Trump is gearing up for another campaign, adding fuel to the already blazing conversation about the fitness of political leaders, including Trump and President Joe Biden.
Interestingly, Christie’s remarks were followed closely by Vice President Kamala Harris releasing a two-page medical report, seemingly challenging Trump to do the same. Harris’s doctor gave her a clean bill of health, emphasizing her active lifestyle. Though not explicitly aimed at Trump, the timing makes the contrast between the two hard to miss.
As the 2024 election heats up, expect the conversation around age, health, and mental acuity to become even more central, with Christie’s comments likely sparking further debate.