President Trump just dropped a bombshell on social media that’s got the political world buzzing. On Sunday, Trump floated the idea of launching a criminal investigation into former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie over the infamous 2013 "Bridgegate" scandal.
The Hill reported that Trump’s threat came hot on the heels of Christie’s appearance on ABC News’s “This Week,” where the former governor must have said something to light a fire under the president, prompting a fiery post on Truth Social about revisiting that decade-old mess.
Let’s rewind to 2013, when the "Bridgegate" scandal first erupted like a bad traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge.
Lanes were closed, allegedly to punish a Democratic mayor in Fort Lee, N.J., who didn’t back Christie’s reelection bid. It was a political stunt that snarled traffic and tempers alike.
Two of Christie’s close allies got caught in the crosshairs, convicted on serious charges like conspiracy and fraud. They were accused of depriving citizens of their civil rights with this petty scheme. But here’s the kicker—both convictions were later tossed out by the Supreme Court in 2020.
Speaking of that 2020 ruling, the high court unanimously decided that while the plan was deceptive and corrupt, it didn’t break federal law.
Trump himself called it “a complete and total exoneration” for Christie and the others involved. Funny how perspectives shift when the political winds blow differently.
Back then, Trump also took a swipe at the Obama-era Justice Department, accusing it of “grave misconduct” in handling the case. It’s a point that still resonates with those skeptical of overreaching federal power. Could this be why he’s circling back to the issue now?
Fast forward to Trump’s latest salvo on Truth Social, where he didn’t hold back, saying, “Can anyone believe anything that Sloppy Chris says?”
It’s a jab that questions Christie’s credibility while dragging up old dirt. For conservatives tired of establishment games, it’s a reminder of why they rally behind Trump’s no-nonsense style.
Trump went further, alleging, “Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts.” He even mused about reopening the case, adding, “Perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again?” It’s a bold suggestion, but one that might resonate with folks who feel justice was never fully served.
Christie, for his part, has always maintained he’s innocent, and prosecutors never charged him, admitting they couldn’t prove he knew about the lane closures.
Still, Trump’s words sting, especially for those who think political accountability should cut both ways. Is this just a distraction, or a genuine push for fairness?
Reflecting on the 2020 Supreme Court decision, Christie didn’t mince words, stating, “This case was driven by a U.S. Attorney and Justice Department in search of a predetermined and biased outcome.”
He’s got a point—many on the right have long criticized federal overreach in politically charged cases. It’s a narrative that plays well with those wary of deep-state machinations.
Christie also argued the prosecution violated the Justice Department’s oath in their pursuit of a conviction. That’s a heavy charge, and for conservatives who value the rule of law over political vendettas, it’s hard to ignore. But does revisiting this saga now serve the public, or just settle old scores?
Trump’s threat to dig into “Bridgegate” again raises a bigger question: why now? Some might see it as a strategic move to keep opponents off balance, a classic play from the Trump playbook. Others might wonder if it’s just a distraction from more pressing national concerns.
Christie was never charged, and the legal system cleared his allies of federal wrongdoing in 2020, so any new probe would face steep hurdles.
Still, the idea of no one being “above the law,” as Trump put it, strikes a chord with everyday Americans tired of elite privilege. It’s a principle worth defending, even if the timing feels suspect.