Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slammed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley during a hot mic moment on Wednesday, saying that he believes she is going to get “smoked” in the Republican Party primary race.
The moment came right before Christie told supporters in Windham, New Hampshire, that he was suspending his campaign for president.
“I mean, look, she spent $68 million so far, just on TV. Spent $68 million so far, $59 million by DeSantis. And we spent 12,” Christie said on the hot mic. “I mean, who’s punching above their weight and who’s getting a return on their investment, you know? And she’s going to get smoked. And you and I both know it. She’s not up to this.”
Christie then said that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called him and that DeSantis was “petrified” about something, at which point the hot mic gets cut off.
BREAKING: While waiting for Chris Christie announcement, he can be heard on a hot mic criticizing @NikkiHaley while talking to someone.
“She’s gonna get smoked,” he says. “You and I both know it, she’s not up to this.”
He also claims DeSantis called him, then feed is cut. pic.twitter.com/3Lrz2t6BQ8
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 10, 2024
DeSantis responded to the hot mic moment by posting on X: “I agree with Christie that Nikki Haley is ‘going to get smoked.'”
I agree with Christie that Nikki Haley is “going to get smoked.”
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 10, 2024
During his announcement that he was suspending his campaign, Christie also appeared to take a shot at Haley, saying that anyone who refuses to say that Trump is unfit for office was unfit themselves to hold the nation’s highest office. Christie criticized Haley last month for saying that Trump was fit to be president, saying she should “be ashamed of herself.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
NBC News reported that DeSantis called Christie and told him regardless of what he decided to do in the race, he appreciated his role.
Reporter Dasha Burns said that Christie criticized Haley during the call with DeSantis, “calling her a joke, saying she’s performed terribly and she’s not up to the task.”
FIRST TO @NBCNews: A source familiar confirmed DeSantis called Christie to say that regardless of his decision he appreciated his role in the race. Then Christie criticized Haley on the call – "calling her a joke, saying she's performed terribly and she’s not up to the task."
— Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) January 10, 2024
This is a developing news story; refresh the page for updates.