In a new biography that sheds light on the tense dynamics within the Republican party, Senator Mitt Romney is revealed to have privately criticized fellow Republican Chris Christie for endorsing former President Donald Trump in 2016. The biography, titled “Romney: A Reckoning,” authored by journalist McKay Coppins, details the exchange between Romney and Christie, as well as other insights from Romney’s political career.
Romney, who ran for president in 2012 and is now a senator from Utah, expressed his disbelief and disappointment in an email to Christie, stating that he was “stunned” by Christie’s endorsement of Trump. The book reveals that Romney described Trump as “unequivocally mentally unstable, racist, bigoted, misogynistic, xenophobic, vulgar, and prone to violence.” He urged Christie to withdraw his support for the sake of his integrity and character.
The tension between Romney and Christie arose when Christie announced his endorsement of Trump on February 26, 2016, during the Republican primary. Christie, a former governor of New Jersey, had dropped out of the race earlier that month after failing to gain significant support. Despite his previous criticisms of Trump, Christie stood by the then-front-runner and expressed his eagerness to work with him.
Romney’s opposition to Trump continued throughout the 2016 election, as detailed in the biography. The book also provides insights into the highly publicized meeting between Romney and Trump after the election, where former Vice President Mike Pence urged Romney to publicly retract his negative comments about Trump. However, Romney refused, stating that he could not compromise his principles.
The biography also reveals that Romney’s hope for a Cabinet position in the Trump administration was dashed, as he was ultimately not selected. Romney later reflected that this outcome was a blessing in disguise.
Neither Romney nor Christie have responded to requests for comment on the revelations in the biography.
The biography by McKay Coppins offers a compelling glimpse into the internal conflicts within the Republican party and highlights Romney’s unwavering stance against Trump. It provides valuable context to understand the dynamics within the GOP during the 2016 election and sheds light on Romney’s principled approach to politics.
As the 2024 campaign trail heats up, this biography serves as a reminder of the divisions within the Republican party and the challenges that lie ahead for President Biden’s reelection bid.
