‘Putin’s Puppet’: Chris Christie Blasts Trump Over Ukraine Claim

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) slammed Donald Trump for a response to a question about Ukraine during a much-derided CNN town hall event on Wednesday night.

The former president claimed ― as he has in the past ― that he has a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine in 24 hours.

As before, he didn’t elaborate. But Christie said he knows how Trump would do it: by caving to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Christie tweeted:

Christie also tweeted:

Trump last year praised Putin’s strategy as “genius” after Russia invaded Ukraine, although he later called it a mistake.

He has long expressed admiration for the Russian strongman, boasted about how well they got along, and even appealed to Moscow for help during his 2016 campaign with his infamous “Russia, if you’re listening” comment. Trump actually sided with Putin when questioned about the U.S. intelligence conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help him win.

None of that kept Christie from being a loyal Trump insider. He was one of the first prominent Republicans to endorse Trump in 2016, and was in Trump’s inner circle throughout his presidency.

Christie developed a COVID-19 infection while helping Trump prepare for the debates in 2020, then spent a week in the intensive care unit.

He has since been more critical of Trump, and said he may run against him for the Republican nomination in next year’s presidential election.