Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) argued Sunday that President-elect Trump was “over-reading his mandate” by selecting former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as his first choice for attorney general.
In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Christie, a former GOP presidential candidate and former Trump ally, called out the president-elect over the nomination after Gaetz withdrew from consideration.
“Matt Gaetz was an abominable pick, and it was Donald Trump over-reading his mandate,” Christie said, highlighted by Mediaite. “Well, he got smacked back. So, we’ll see what happens.”
Gaetz’s selection to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ) sparked controversy, as it previously investigated him as part of a broader sex trafficking probe, including allegations involving an underage woman. The DOJ decided not to pursue charges, and Gaetz has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Additionally, the House Ethics Committee voted last week to keep its investigation into Gaetz’s allegations private, but lawmakers charged ahead with plans to finish it.
In a post online, Gaetz withdrew his nomination late last week, saying it had become a “distraction,” putting an end to a chaotic several days on Capitol Hill as Republicans senators weighed whether they would rebuke Trump’s choice or fall in line with the president-elect.
Gaetz resigned from Congress after being tapped for the top DOJ position and his withdrawal was one of the quickest in history.
Several of Trump’s other nominees have received criticism, including former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) as the director of national intelligence and former “Fox & Friends Weekend” host Pete Hegseth for secretary of Defense.
However, Christie said Sunday that there are several good options so far.
Trump chose North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) to lead the Interior Department, which manages the country’s public lands and waters.
“I like Doug Burgum,” Christie said. “I’ve known him for a long time. He will do a solid job.”
Christie also noted that Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for secretary of Agriculture, is also a good choice.
“She’s a very bright woman,” he said.
The former New Jersey governor admitted that he doesn’t know billionaire investor Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary, but “certainly he’s great.” Christie called him “mainstream” and a “Wall Street guy.”
As Trump assembles his Cabinet and senior leadership positions, Christie said he thinks there’s “too much hysteria about all of them.”
“And I think that’s going to be a mistake for the country,” he said.
