During a recent appearance on the online segment "Overtime," part of the show Real Time with Bill Maher, the former Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, made striking claims about the internal dynamics of the Republican Party. Christie suggested that numerous GOP lawmakers have confided in him, expressing criticism of President Donald Trump in private while maintaining a facade of support in public.
According to Christie, these Republican members have approached him off-camera to concur with his candid assessments of the President, often labeling him as "brave" for his frankness and admitting they share his viewpoint. He recounted instances where, after lauding Trump on camera as one of the greatest presidents, these individuals would later retract their statements in private.
While Christie was reluctant to divulge specific names during the interview, he did single out Senator Lindsey Graham as one of the Republicans who criticizes Trump behind closed doors, in stark contrast to his public backing. This revelation aligns with a pattern where GOP figures, including high-profile politicians like Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz, have transitioned from being vocal critics to allies of Trump, especially noticeable since the MAGA movement gained momentum.
Christie himself has had a complex relationship with Trump, having initially supported him after the 2016 election, leading his transition team, and serving as an informal advisor. However, their rapport deteriorated following Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election and further after the January 6 Capitol protest, which Christie attributed to Trump's incendiary rhetoric.
Despite running against Trump in the 2024 Republican primary and withdrawing before any votes were cast, Christie's recent statements shed light on the ongoing internal tensions within the GOP. They suggest that while public allegiance to Trump appears solid, there may be underlying currents of dissent. These comments add to the discourse on the balance Republican lawmakers strike between personal beliefs and political strategy.
