In a recent episode of "The View," Chris Christie, the Republican presidential candidate from New Jersey, made it clear that he would not grant a pardon to former President Donald Trump if he were to win the upcoming election.
Christie's statement came in response to a direct question from the show's hosts about his potential actions as president. He stated, "You don't accept responsibility - too bad, go to jail," indicating his firm stance on the matter.
This declaration by Christie is in stark contrast to the pledges made by fellow Republican primary candidates Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis. Both Haley and DeSantis had previously committed in late December to pardoning Trump if they were to secure the presidency. Another candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, had also pledged to pardon Trump as early as June.
Christie's refusal to pardon Trump is not his only divergence from the party line. He recently declined to support Trump in the event of the former president's victory in the November elections, thereby breaking the Republican National Convention Beat Biden Pledge that he had signed. The pledge states, "I affirm that if I do not win the 2024 Republican nomination for President of the United States, I will honor the will of the primary voters and support the Republican presidential nominee in order to save our country and beat Joe Biden."
In a conversation with Mike Barnicle on MSNBC, Christie was asked if he would vote for Trump in the upcoming election if Trump were to secure the nomination. Christie responded with a resolute "No." His refusal to back the former president, who is currently leading the primary as of January, is a clear violation of the pledge he had previously signed.
In an interview with Axios, Christie stated, "I'm going to go out there and tell the truth. Like the truth matters. The truth is not negotiable." He further added, "I can't help him. No way. When you have the Jan. 6 choir at a rally, and you show video of it I just don't think that person is appropriate for the presidency."
Despite Christie's stance, all House Republicans in leadership positions have officially endorsed Donald Trump's campaign for President in 2024 earlier this week.
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