In a striking statement from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump reignited controversy surrounding the 2013 Bridgegate scandal involving former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
According to Newsmax, Trump's comments on Monday hinted at a potential reevaluation of Christie's involvement in the politically motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, while expressing his personal belief in Christie's guilt.
The Bridgegate scandal dates back to 2013, when lane closures on the George Washington Bridge caused significant traffic disruptions. These closures, affecting access from Fort Lee, New Jersey, were allegedly orchestrated by Christie's aides as retaliation against the town's Democratic mayor for not supporting Christie's reelection campaign. The incident drew national attention due to its impact on commuters, including delays for emergency services.
Two key figures in Christie's administration were implicated in the scandal: Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly and top Port Authority official Bill Baroni. Both Kelly and Baroni faced serious legal consequences for their roles in the lane closures. In 2016, they were convicted on nine counts each, including conspiracy and fraud, related to the incident.
However, their convictions did not stand the test of time. In 2020, the Supreme Court overturned the convictions of both Kelly and Baroni, altering the legal landscape of the case. This decision marked a significant turn in the aftermath of Bridgegate, though public and political opinions remained divided.
Throughout the ordeal, Christie has consistently denied any personal involvement in the lane closures. He has maintained that he did not know the actions taken by his staff at the time of the incident. Despite his denials, speculation and criticism have persisted regarding his potential awareness or role.
President Trump, speaking on Monday during a press gaggle in the Oval Office, offered a different perspective. His remarks came just one day after he first suggested the possibility of revisiting the scandal. Trump did not hold back in expressing his opinion on Christie's involvement.
"I always felt he was guilty," Trump stated, reflecting on his long-held view of the former governor. "But what he did was he ... closed down the George Washington Bridge. You had medical people, you had ambulances caught up; this thing was closed down," he added. "And obviously he knew about it," Trump concluded, underscoring his belief in Christie's complicity.
"But he blamed the young lady that worked for him and another person, and they got into a lot of trouble," Trump continued. "But [Kelly] went through hell. She was a young mother, nice person," he said, expressing sympathy for Kelly. "I knew her a little bit. And another man went to jail. And Chris got off," Trump noted, pointing to the disparity in outcomes.
Trump's comments have raised questions about whether the Bridgegate scandal could resurface in a legal context. He indicated that any decision to reexamine the case would not come directly from him. Instead, Trump emphasized that the matter would be left to the Justice Department for consideration.
"If they wanna look at it — not for me — if they wanna look at it they can," Trump explained. "You can ask Pam," he said, referring to Attorney General Pam Bondi as a key figure in any potential review. "I think we have other things to do, but I always thought he got away with murder," Trump reiterated, using a strong metaphor for his view on Christie's escape from accountability.
The phrase "got away with murder" has drawn attention for its intensity in describing Trump's perception of the situation. It encapsulates his frustration with what he sees as an unresolved issue from Christie's tenure. Public and political reactions to Trump's words are likely to vary, given the polarized history of the scandal.
The Bridgegate scandal remains a notable example of alleged political retribution in American governance. Its origins lie in a punitive act against a local official who opposed Christie's political ambitions. The fallout affected not just those directly involved but also public trust in political leadership.
Trump's recent statements ensure that the Bridgegate controversy remains relevant years after the initial events. Whether the Justice Department will act on his suggestion is uncertain at this stage. For now, the scandal continues to be a point of contention in political discourse. As discussions resurface, Christie's past actions and denials are once again under the spotlight. Trump's personal conviction about Christie's guilt adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The coming weeks may reveal whether this issue gains traction or fades from public focus.