Republican names and shames top Trump ally for trashing president behind his back

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has accused prominent Republican figures of publicly praising him — while privately trashing him to close associates.

During an appearance on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," highlighted by the Daily Beast, Christie was asked what Republicans say about current events when cameras are off.

He described a pattern of backstage behavior that contradicts public statements.

Christie, an outspoken opponent of Trump's, said, "Look, so many of my fellow party members, especially, come up to me because I say all this stuff out loud, and they — in the green room at ABC, they'll say, 'You're so brave. That's so great. I totally agree with you. [Trump's] nuts.'

"And then they go out on camera to be interviewed, and they go, 'The greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.' And then they come back in the green room, and they say to me, 'You know, I have to do that, but like I don't really mean it.'"

When pressed to identify specific Republicans exhibiting this behavior, Christie named Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Graham's relationship with Trump has been notably turbulent. During the 2016 primary campaign, Graham sharply attacked Trump, calling him a "jackass" unfit for the presidency after Trump insulted Senator John McCain, a close Graham ally. Trump retaliated by mocking Graham at rallies and publicly reading his personal cellphone number aloud.

Following Trump's 2016 election victory, Graham reversed course dramatically. He stated he felt "an obligation" to support a Republican president and became one of Trump's closest Senate allies and frequent golf companions. This strategic alignment enhanced Graham's standing with GOP voters and secured his 2020 reelection.

However, the relationship fractured over Trump's January 6 pardons. Graham criticized the clemency decisions as "a mistake" and delivered a rare public rebuke in the Senate chamber, stating: "Trump and I, we've had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way. Oh my God, I hate it. From my point of view, he's been a consequential president, but today, first thing you'll see. All I can say is count me out, enough is enough."

Despite this public distancing, Graham ultimately remained loyal through Trump's criminal indictments and 2024 presidential campaign. By 2025, the relationship appeared restored. Trump endorsed Graham's reelection bid, and the two were recently photographed together at Mar-a-Lago's Super Bowl watch party and on the golf course.

Christie's own relationship with Trump deteriorated after Trump's 2020 election refusal to concede. When Christie ran for the 2024 Republican nomination, he highlighted his willingness to publicly criticize Trump, declaring: "Some people say I should drop out of this race. Really? I'm the only one saying Donald Trump is a liar."