Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has ignited controversy by claiming that many Republican colleagues privately criticize President Trump while publicly praising him. During an appearance on HBO's "Overtime with Bill Maher," Christie specifically named Sen. Lindsey Graham as someone who allegedly disparages Trump in private settings.

Christie described encounters in greenrooms where fellow Republicans allegedly tell him, "You're so brave. That's so great. I totally agree with you. He's nuts," before delivering glowing public endorsements of the president. The former governor, who campaigned against Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, said these colleagues privately admit their public praise is performative. "They go: 'The greatest president since Abraham Lincoln,'" Christie recounted, "and then they come back in the greenroom and say to me, 'You know, I have to do that. But, like, I don't really mean it.'"

Graham's office vehemently denied Christie's allegations, calling them "untrue" and "petty and disappointing." The South Carolina senator, a close Trump ally who regularly golfs with the president, has maintained consistent public support for Trump despite Christie's claims of private criticism. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension within the Republican Party as Trump prepares for his second term, with Christie positioning himself as a vocal critic of the president's leadership style and false claims about the 2020 election.