A major political scandal from a decade ago is back in the spotlight after President Trump called for a renewed investigation into its key players. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie may soon face renewed scrutiny over his alleged role in the 2013 “Bridgegate” scandal, after President Trump suggested the Department of Justice should launch a criminal investigation.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump sharply criticized Christie, a former ally turned frequent critic, and pointed to the politically explosive bridge lane closure that rocked New Jersey politics a decade ago.
“Can anyone believe anything that Sloppy Chris says?” Trump wrote. “Do you remember the way he lied about the dangerous and deadly closure of the George Washington Bridge in order to stay out of prison, at the same time sacrificing people who worked for him?”
“For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again? NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!” Trump added.
The comments came after Christie appeared on ABC’s “This Week,” where he once again took aim at the president. Trump’s fiery response was not just political retaliation, but a clear signal that he believes Christie should be held accountable for the 2013 incident.
Bridgegate involved a scheme carried out by Christie’s top aides to close lanes on the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey, as political retaliation against the town’s Democratic mayor, who refused to endorse Christie’s reelection bid. The closures caused massive traffic backups and public safety concerns.
Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, Bridget Anne Kelly, and former Port Authority executive Bill Baroni were both convicted in federal court of conspiracy and fraud. While Christie himself was never charged, testimony during the trial raised questions about what he knew and when.
At the time, Christie denied any involvement, stating: “I had no knowledge prior to or during these lane realignments, and had no role in authorizing them.”
Despite escaping legal consequences, the scandal damaged Christie’s national reputation and played a role in the collapse of his 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump’s latest remarks revive speculation about Christie’s knowledge of the scheme and whether further investigation is warranted. With Trump now back in the White House and emboldened to pursue what he describes as “equal justice,” Bridgegate could be reopened — not just in the court of public opinion, but possibly in a courtroom once again.
For Christie, the political fallout may be far from over.
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