Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has indicated that, while many Republicans publicly praise President Donald Trump, they often express criticism in private. He pointed to Sen. Lindsey Graham as a notable example of this duality.
During an appearance on “Overtime,” an online segment of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Christie responded to Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s question about what Republicans really discuss when they think no one is listening. He revealed that fellow party members often approach him to express agreement with his outspoken views, saying, “You’re so brave. That’s so great. I totally agree with you.” Yet, when in front of cameras, they revert to praising Trump as “the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.”
He added, “Then they come back to the dressing room and say to me, ‘We have to do this, but I don’t think we really mean it.’” This paints a picture of a fractured party, where honest opinions are hidden behind public personas.
When pressed by Maher to provide names, Christie humorously noted that there isn’t enough time to list everyone but offered Lindsey Graham as a prime example, prompting surprised reactions from the audience.
Attempts by Fox News Digital to get comments from Graham didn’t receive an immediate response.
Christie’s relationship with Trump has been complex over the past decade. Although he supported Trump after ending his own presidential bid in 2016, tensions grew when Trump refused to concede to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Christie has since voiced concerns about Trump’s 2024 campaign.
As calls grow from Republican lawmakers for Christie to withdraw from the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, he released a campaign ad highlighting that he is one of the few openly criticizing Trump. “Some people say I should drop out of this race. Really? I’m the only one who says Donald Trump is a liar,” he stated directly to the camera.
His campaign has noted that this ad is part of a significant advertising push in New Hampshire, where the first primary takes place. In the ad, Christie accused Trump of “pinning Americans against each other,” and remarked that Trump’s message during Christmas to his detractors was effectively, “rot in hell.”
