BEDMINSTER, NJ – As the race for governor in New Jersey heats up in the Republican primary election, one candidate appears to be on shaky footing with President Donald J. Trump.
President Trump allegedly instructed New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea not to share a selfie taken during a brief meeting at Trump’s Bedminster golf club a few weeks ago, according to claims made by conservative commentator Mike Crispi, a 2024 RNC Trump delegate for New Jersey and others close to the Trump inner network.
The incident has fueled speculation about Trump’s stance in the competitive New Jersey Republican primary set for June 10.
Crispi, who received a shoutout from Trump at the president’s last New Jersey rally, posted on X that Trump allowed Spadea a short hallway meeting at Bedminster the day after rival candidate Jack Ciattarelli met with the president.
While Ciattarelli shared photos of his meeting on social media, Spadea was reportedly told by Trump not to post the selfie. Spadea has not shared any such photo, aligning with Crispi’s account.
The restriction may stem from tensions over Spadea’s past use of the Trump name in fundraising for his Common Sense Club, a nonprofit political action committee. Reports indicate that $225,000 of the funds raised were paid to BillSpadea.Com LLC, prompting criticism from some Trump allies.
George Nader, a board member of the Common Sense Club PAC, recently urged Trump to make an endorsement in the race, but expressed frustration over Spadea’s fundraising practices, according to a report.
Trump has not responded to Nader’s request via an editorial in a local political blog.
Spadea’s Common Sense Club PAC used Trump and his wife Melania’s name in multiple advertisements and texts, urging voters around the country to support the Trump movement.
According to Politico, many of those donors beleived they were supporting the President’s campaign, and not the non-profit operated by Spadea and Nader’s wife Elizabeth.
The pair has admitted to paying Spadea $225,000 to Spadea’s LLC, but claim it was, “Before he was a candidate.”
That did not sit well with one Toms River business owner who said he donated money monthly to the Common Sense Club.
“If I knew my money was going right into Bill’s pocket, I wouldn’t have given them any money,” he said.
The New Jersey GOP primary has become a battleground for Trump’s influence, with Ciattarelli and Spadea vying to prove their loyalty to the former president.
Ciattarelli, who leads Spadea in most polls, posted about his Bedminster meeting, suggesting Trump’s approval.
Meanwhile, Spadea’s campaign has remained silent on the details of his visit, though he told The Inquirer he sought Trump’s endorsement but respects if Trump stays neutral.
Rumors within Trump’s circle suggest he is unlikely to endorse Spadea and may even consider backing Ciattarelli, though a source close to the president indicated Trump is more likely to withhold an endorsement until after the primary.
The race is further complicated by the fact that three of the four remaining candidates—Ciattarelli, Spadea, and Jon Bramnick—have previously criticized Trump. Mario Kranjac, the fourth candidate, positions himself as the most consistently pro-Trump contender.
Crispi took to X to criticize Spadea, accusing him of leveraging Trump’s name for personal gain.
The controversy has intensified the rivalry between Spadea and Ciattarelli, with both candidates sparring over their Trump credentials at campaign events and debates.
Political analysts note that Trump’s endorsement could be a game-changer in the primary, given his 90% favorability among New Jersey Republicans and a poll showing 65% of GOP primary voters are more likely to support a Trump-backed candidate.
However, in a state that leans Democratic, such an endorsement could pose challenges in the general election.
As the primary approaches, all eyes remain on Bedminster, where Trump’s decision could reshape the race for New Jersey’s next governor.
