In a recent turn of events that has set the political world abuzz, former President Donald Trump has taken to social media to question the fitness of his GOP rival, Chris Christie, for the highest office in the land. The move comes as the race for the 2024 presidential nomination heats up, with candidates vying for the spotlight and attempting to establish their credentials.
Trump, known for his unorthodox and often controversial approach to political discourse, posted an unflattering picture of Christie on Instagram this Monday. The image, which shows the former New Jersey governor in shorts, was accompanied by a caption suggesting that Christie is unfit for office “mentally or physically.”
Trump just posted this photo of Chris Christie to his Instagram page:
"Not fit for office, mentally or physically. We need strong people not suffering from a harsh terminal disease, TDS, TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME!!!" pic.twitter.com/0Uheub9Cyq
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 11, 2023
The post appears to be a direct response to Christie’s recent debate performance, where he positioned himself as a vehement anti-Trump candidate. Despite being in fifth place nationally, Christie’s dynamic presence on the debate stage and his pointed criticisms of Trump seem to have struck a nerve with the former president.
Christie’s campaign strategy has focused heavily on New Hampshire, where he currently ranks third. His message has been clear: Trump represents a danger to the country. This rhetoric, coupled with his strong showing in the Granite State, may have prompted Trump’s latest jab on social media.
chris christie is asking to be president while suffering moribund obesity and questioning whether trump is fit to serve
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) December 12, 2023
Trump’s attack didn’t stop at the photo. He went on to accuse Christie of suffering from “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME,” a term used by some conservatives to describe individuals they believe are irrationally opposed to Trump’s policies and personality. The former president also highlighted videos of right-wing activist Laura Loomer trolling Christie about his weight, further emphasizing his point.
This isn’t the first time Trump has made headlines for comments about weight. In the past, his own weight has been the subject of public scrutiny, with skeptics questioning the accuracy of the measurements provided by White House physicians. Trump’s willingness to engage in this type of discourse underscores his combative style, which remains a hallmark of his political persona.
The exchange between Trump and Christie underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party as it grapples with its identity post-Trump presidency. While some members of the party continue to align themselves with Trump’s brand of politics, others, like Christie, are seeking to chart a new course, one that distances itself from the controversies of the past.
As the race for the 2024 nomination continues, it is clear that personal attacks and social media skirmishes will remain part of the political landscape. Candidates will need to navigate these challenges while making their case to the American people. For now, Trump’s latest salvo against Christie is a reminder of the high stakes and intense rivalries that define the current political climate.