TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie’s office on Sunday immediately pushed back at a report in the New York Post claiming the governor was preparing for an early exit to take a job in President Donald Trump’s administration.
The governor’s office brushed off the report as inaccurate “speculation.”
The newspaper, citing an unnamed source close to the White House, claimed Christie “is telling friends and staff he is taking a role with the Trump administration.”
It didn’t provide additional detail, other than to say Christie would not replace Reince Preibus as Trump’s chief-of-staff.
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But the governor’s office and a close political adviser of his promptly dismissed the report.
“Not true,” longtime Christie political strategist Mike DuHaime told NJ Advance Media.
“There is absolutely no truth to the story,” Christie spokesman Brian Murray said.
“In fact, the governor said at a press conference this past week and on his monthly radio program that he plans to finish his term as governor, and he dismissed the type of speculation being reported by the New York Post,” Murray said.
As recently as Thursday, Christie told a group of New Jersey reporters during an event in Washington D.C. that he plans to finish his second term.
“Guys, you should all take a deep breath,” Christie told the gaggle of reporters. “Just take me at my word. I have told you I’m staying.”
For months, Christie has been pelted with questions about Trump, his friend of 15 years. Recently, he’s been discussing the topic in national television interviews, often criticizing Trump’s staff for the controversial rollout of some of the president’s policies. That has re-fanned speculation that Christie could be seeking a job in Trump’s administration.
Christie has also shot down rumors that he may soon work for Trump, stressing that he plans to finish his final year as governor. He said that Tuesday’s lunch meeting includes no talk of a possible job.
NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.
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