Quick Read
- Trump suggests reopening ‘Bridgegate’ investigation against Chris Christie.
- The feud follows Christie’s criticism of Trump’s Justice Department.
- Christie was never charged in the 2013 ‘Bridgegate’ scandal.
- Trump and Christie’s relationship has shifted from allies to adversaries.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between President Donald Trump and his former ally, Chris Christie, Trump has suggested reopening the infamous 2013 ‘Bridgegate’ investigation. This announcement came in response to Christie’s recent critical remarks about the Trump administration during an ABC News interview.
Trump Revives ‘Bridgegate’ as a Political Weapon
The ‘Bridgegate’ scandal, which dates back to Christie’s tenure as New Jersey Governor, involved the closure of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in a calculated move to create traffic chaos. The scheme was allegedly aimed at retaliating against a Democratic mayor who refused to endorse Christie’s reelection campaign. Although Christie was never charged, two of his aides were convicted, only to have their convictions overturned by the Supreme Court in 2020.
Trump reignited this controversy on August 24 via a post on Truth Social, labeling Christie as “Sloppy Chris” and accusing him of lying to avoid prison. Trump wrote, “Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts. For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again? NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!” According to My Central Jersey, this threat came just days after the FBI searched the home and office of another Trump critic, John Bolton, intensifying concerns about the politicization of federal agencies under Trump’s leadership.
Christie’s Criticism Sparks Presidential Fury
Christie, once a close ally of Trump, has emerged as one of his most vocal Republican critics. During his appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Christie accused Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department for personal vendettas, stating, “Donald Trump sees himself as the person who gets to decide everything, and he doesn’t care about any separation between criminal investigations and political leadership.” He also pointed out inconsistencies in Trump’s stance on classified documents, referencing the FBI’s 2022 search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Christie’s remarks struck a nerve. Trump responded not only with threats of a renewed ‘Bridgegate’ probe but also by attacking ABC News and its parent company, Disney. As reported by CNN, Trump suggested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should revoke ABC’s broadcasting license, accusing the network of bias and spreading “97% bad stories” about him.
A Tumultuous Relationship: From Allies to Adversaries
Trump and Christie’s relationship has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Christie endorsed Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign and even led his transition team. However, their alliance soured after Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. By 2024, Christie had positioned himself as a major Republican challenger to Trump, frequently criticizing him during the GOP primaries.
As Politico noted, Trump’s recent actions underscore his readiness to use federal powers against perceived enemies, a departure from traditional norms of presidential conduct. In a press conference, Trump claimed the decision to reopen the ‘Bridgegate’ investigation rested with Attorney General Pam Bondi, while hinting at his belief that Christie “got away with murder.”
The Broader Implications of Trump’s Threats
The president’s threats against Christie and media outlets like ABC highlight broader concerns about the erosion of institutional independence under his administration. Critics argue that these actions reflect a dangerous trend of using governmental agencies to settle personal scores. Legal experts have warned that such moves could undermine public trust in the justice system and the media.
Moreover, the renewed focus on ‘Bridgegate’ serves as a stark reminder of the scandal’s impact on Christie’s political career. Once seen as a rising star in the Republican Party, Christie’s involvement in the controversy effectively ended his aspirations for higher office. Despite the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision to overturn his aides’ convictions, the scandal continues to haunt him.
As the feud between Trump and Christie intensifies, the political landscape within the Republican Party grows increasingly fractured. Whether or not the ‘Bridgegate’ investigation is reopened, the clash between these two former allies underscores the deep divisions shaping American politics today.