Chris Christie Rejects President Trump

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) officially declined President Donald Trump’s offer to become the next White House chief of staff. (The Hill)
 

Christie and President Trump reportedly met Thursday evening to discuss the role of replacing John Kelly, who will be departing as chief of staff by the end of the year.

“It’s an honor to have the President consider me as he looks to choose a new White House chief-of-staff,” Christie wrote in a statement shared by Maggie Haberman of the New York Times on Friday. “However, I’ve told the President that now is not the right time for me or my family to undertake this serious assignment. As a result, I have asked not to be considered for this post.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Christie was one of Trump’s opponents during the GOP presidential primary in 2016. He later endorsed Trump after dropping out.

Trump was reportedly furious after his initial pick for the job – Nick Ayers, Vice President Pence’s chief of staff – unexpectedly turned him down.

Former campaign adviser David Bossie, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, and Energy Secretary Rick Perry have become the leading contenders.