The long and bitter rift between former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former President Donald Trump flared up again this week, with both men trading sharp words over national television and social media. What began as Christie’s critique of Trump on ABC’s This Week quickly spiraled into a personal and political slugfest that revived one of the ugliest chapters in New Jersey’s recent political history—Bridgegate.
For Garden State voters, the exchange is more than just name-calling. It brings into sharp relief how New Jersey politics continues to shape—and be shaped by—the national stage. For more statewide updates and political analysis, see our New Jersey Politics coverage.
Christie Calls Out Trump Over Justice Department Politics
During his ABC appearance, Christie—himself a former federal prosecutor—blasted Trump for what he described as the politicization of the Justice Department. His comments followed the FBI’s raid of the home of Trump’s onetime national security adviser, John Bolton.
Christie accused Trump of rejecting the principle that criminal investigations must remain separate from political leadership, saying the former president “absolutely rejects the idea that there should be separation between criminal investigation and the politically elected leader.”
It was a sharp rebuke, but hardly a surprise. Christie has been one of the few prominent Republicans willing to take on Trump head-on, a position he staked out during his short-lived 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump Hits Back on Truth Social and in Person
Trump wasted no time firing back. On Truth Social, he referred to Christie as “Sloppy Chris Christie” and accused him of lying about the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal—better known as Bridgegate—in order to avoid prison. Trump suggested Christie had “sacrificed people who worked for him”, including a young mother who faced federal charges.
In a post that raised eyebrows even among some Republicans, Trump called for Bridgegate to be re-examined, writing:
“For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again? NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!”
Later, speaking to reporters, Trump escalated further. He called Christie a “slob,” said he “always felt he was guilty,” and even claimed Christie had “gotten away with murder.”
Those remarks contradicted Trump’s 2020 position, when he had described Bridgegate as an “Obama DOJ scam” and welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn convictions tied to the case.
Bridgegate: A Brief Refresher
Bridgegate dates back to September 2013, when two Christie administration officials ordered lanes on the George Washington Bridge shut down, creating massive gridlock in Fort Lee. The move was allegedly political retaliation against Fort Lee’s Democratic mayor.
Two Christie allies were convicted in federal court, but the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned their convictions in 2020, ruling that while the act was an abuse of power, it did not meet the legal definition of federal fraud. Christie himself was never charged, though the scandal damaged his once-rising political career and cast a long shadow over his 2016 presidential bid and later campaigns.
Christie’s Past Responses to Trump’s Taunts
This is not the first time Trump has mocked Christie, often targeting his weight in speeches and online posts. After a similar volley in 2023, Christie responded by highlighting his integrity and taking aim at Trump’s character, calling him a “baby” who lashes out when criticized.
More recently, Christie has acknowledged that while Trump’s attacks don’t rattle him personally, they do concern his family. Speaking at Fairleigh Dickinson University months ago, Christie noted that his loved ones worry about the potential for retribution from Trump’s political orbit, even if he himself is unfazed.
What This Clash Means for New Jersey Politics
The Christie-Trump feud isn’t just a personal spat—it’s a test of loyalty within the Republican Party and a reminder of the stakes for New Jersey Republicans heading into 2025 and beyond.
- Party leaders on the spot – If Trump continues to push for Bridgegate to be “reinvestigated,” New Jersey GOP leaders—such as the state party chair and Republican members of Congress—may face pressure to either condemn or echo his call.
- Impact on Ciattarelli and other GOP hopefuls – With gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli working to unite Republicans for future statewide races, Trump’s renewed attacks on Christie could complicate the party’s balancing act.
- A cautionary tale for independents – For unaffiliated voters in New Jersey, the revival of Bridgegate may reinforce long-standing skepticism about political retribution and insider politics.
The Bigger Picture
Christie’s comments about the Justice Department highlight a broader debate about the rule of law versus political influence. Trump’s response—reviving Bridgegate, attacking the media, and doubling down on personal insults—shows his instinct to go after critics aggressively, no matter how far removed the original controversy may be.
In many ways, this latest round reflects a familiar pattern: say something critical of Trump, and he responds not just in kind, but in excess. Whether Bridgegate ever resurfaces legally is doubtful, but politically, the incident continues to haunt New Jersey’s national reputation.
Final Takeaway
The once-powerful alliance between Christie and Trump is beyond repair, and the fallout keeps spilling back into the headlines. For New Jerseyans, it’s a reminder that local political dramas—like Bridgegate—can remain part of the national conversation for years, especially when figures like Christie and Trump remain in the spotlight.
We’ll continue tracking how this feud plays out and what it means for New Jersey politics in the months ahead. For deeper analysis and updates across the Garden State, visit our Politics section
