Christie fires back after Trump attacks: ‘Stop hiding behind your … failed social media site’

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says former President Trump is “hiding” behind Truth Social as he and other 2024 Republican presidential candidates prepare for next week’s second debate. ‘

“Stop hiding behind failed social media sites” Christie he told CNN on Thursday..

Mr. Trump, who holds a commanding lead in Republican primary polls, passed the first debate and is not expected to hold the second debate next Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. He said he would be absent.

Christie, who has frequently sparred with Trump, said the former president needs to “stop being a coward” and “show up” at debates if he has something to say. The remarks came after President Trump accused the former governor of “unfair treatment” on Truth Social.

“He doesn’t like people confronting him and calling him out for the nonsense he’s involved in,” Christie told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “If he had the courage, he would go on the debate stage.”

Christie pointed to recent polls in New Hampshire showing him ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Republican race. “He stopped attacking Ron DeSantis and started attacking me,” he said.

Christie said he is one of the only Republican candidates to actively speak out against President Trump and his prosecution.

“He doesn’t like to be directly excluded and confronted,” he said. “I’m the only one who doesn’t want to raise my hand on that stage – next to me.” [former Arkansas Gov.] Asa Hutchinson — And I say I will not support a convicted felon candidate for president of the United States. ”