Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has called for the GOP to move forward and for Trump to "demonstrate the will to change." The appeal comes in the wake of the assassination attempt on Trump and the former governor's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has made a bold call for unity within the GOP, urging former President Donald Trump to lead the party in a "new direction" following the recent assassination attempt. In a guest essay published in The New York Times, Christie outlined his vision for the Republican Party and the role Trump can play in shaping its future.
Christie emphasized the need for Republicans to move forward and leave behind the divisive rhetoric that has plagued the party in recent years. He argued that the current climate of harsh and divisive language has resulted in "gridlock in Congress. Impeachments. Endless meaningless congressional hearings," and has led to a "catastrophization" of politics and elections.
Christie Calls for GOP Unity Following Assassination Attempt, Implores Trump to Lead the Way
"It is not enough to just disagree; we must find in that disagreement a distrust in the other, a hatred in our fellow Americans with whom we disagree and a desire to prove that the way our side views the world is righteous while the other is evil," Christie wrote.
Addressing Trump directly, Christie implored him to use his influence to change the tone and direction of the Republican Party. He suggested that Trump could begin by reining in "some of the worst rhetorical impulses" of the party and pointing it in a "new direction" at the upcoming Republican National Convention.
Christie Calls for GOP Unity Following Assassination Attempt, Implores Trump to Lead the Way
"Mr. Trump, however, can demonstrate the will to change not just how we speak to one another but also how we act," Christie wrote. "This moment can confirm that our country is greater than any political party, but only if we work for it."
Christie also expressed concerns about Trump's vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, arguing that it focuses on appeasing those "already devoted to him" rather than "reaching out to the broader party." He criticized Vance's reaction to the assassination attempt, which he said followed the pattern of "demonizing the other side and laying the blame at the feet of the Democrats."
Christie Calls for GOP Unity Following Assassination Attempt, Implores Trump to Lead the Way
Despite his criticisms, Christie acknowledged Trump's statement in an interview with the New York Post that he wants to unite the country. He said this was "a start" and encouraged Trump to craft a speech for his address Thursday when he officially accepts the 2024 presidential nomination.
Christie, who endorsed Trump in 2016 and 2020, later became a strong critic and ran against him for the nomination in 2024. He stood out among GOP primary opponents in his strident criticism of the former president but never mounted any serious support and dropped out in January.
In his essay, Christie acknowledged that Trump bears some responsibility for the current state of politics. He said Trump "contributed to making worse with his inflammatory and irresponsible language and actions." However, he emphasized that "we are all to blame" for the current climate and that the assassination attempt has "put us at a crossroads."
"Our differences have always been our strength as a country, not a weakness," Christie said. "We must now choose whether we will let this moment divide us further or whether we will come together and find a way forward."
Christie's call for unity and his plea to Trump to lead the way has sparked reactions from across the political spectrum. Some Republicans have praised his efforts to bring the party together, while Democrats have criticized him for continuing to support Trump despite his rhetoric and actions. The outcome of Christie's appeal remains uncertain, but it has reignited the debate about the future of the Republican Party and the role Trump will play in shaping it.
