Former President Donald Trump suggested a potential federal review of ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's role in the infamous Bridgegate scandal. This comes after Christie's critical commentary on ABC's "This Week," where he discussed Trump's alleged misuse of federal law enforcement for political ends during the 2024 campaign.
"Do you remember the way he lied about the dangerous and deadly closure of the George Washington Bridge in order to stay out of prison, at the same time sacrificing people who worked for him, including a young mother? Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts." - President Donald Trump
The Bridgegate scandal erupted in 2013 when lanes on the George Washington Bridge were deliberately closed, causing severe traffic disruptions in Fort Lee, New Jersey. It was alleged that the closures were an act of political retribution against Fort Lee's Democratic Mayor, Mark Sokolich, who refused to endorse Christie's re-election bid. Although Christie's associates, David Wildstein, Bridget Anne Kelly, and Bill Baroni, were implicated, Christie himself was never charged.
On Truth Social, Trump lambasted Christie's handling of the situation, accusing him of dishonesty and blaming his subordinates to avoid prosecution. Trump's post read, "Do you remember the way he lied about the dangerous and deadly closure of the George Washington Bridge in order to stay out of prison, at the same time sacrificing people who worked for him, including a young mother? Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts."
Wildstein, who admitted to planning the closures, pleaded guilty and testified against Kelly and Baroni, leading to their initial convictions for wire fraud and conspiracy in 2016. However, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned their convictions in 2020, determining that while their actions were deceptive, they did not constitute federal fraud.
During Christie's television appearance, he condemned Trump's treatment of the Justice Department as a personal legal tool and warned against the erosion of institutional checks and balances. Christie also addressed convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell's remarks regarding Trump's association with Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing her credibility.
Trump responded by disparaging Christie, labeling him "Sloppy Chris Christie," and emphasizing that "NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!" The exchange has thrust the Bridgegate scandal back into the limelight, underscoring the longstanding animosity between the two figures.
Christie has remained a staunch critic of Trump, while the former president continues his calls for accountability in previous political scandals. With Trump's statements, observers are watching closely to see if a further review of the case will materialize, which could have implications on the already tense relationship between the two Republicans.
