Christie Exposes Private Republican Criticism of President Trump
Los Angeles, Saturday, 7 February 2026.
On “Real Time,” Chris Christie alleged widespread GOP hypocrisy, specifically naming Senator Lindsey Graham as a colleague who praises President Trump publicly while privately calling him “nuts.”
Allegations of Political Duality
During an appearance on the “Overtime” segment of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” on Friday, February 6, 2026, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie offered a stark assessment of the internal dynamics of the Republican Party [1]. When pressed by Maher to identify specific Republicans who disparage President Donald Trump in private while publicly supporting him, Christie explicitly named Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina [1][2]. Christie described a pattern of behavior where colleagues express admiration for his willingness to criticize the President in private settings, such as television green rooms, only to pivot to unwavering support when on camera [1].
Historical Tensions and Election Security
The friction between Christie and the current administration is rooted in the aftermath of the 2020 election, when Christie’s relationship with President Trump soured following Trump’s refusal to concede to Joe Biden [1]. This divide deepened during the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race, where Christie positioned himself as the “only one” willing to call Trump a liar, despite pressure from other Republicans to exit the contest [1]. Christie’s recent comments underscore his continued role as a vocal critic from within the party establishment [1].