Christie caught on hot mic saying Nikki Haley will get 'smoked'

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday was caught on a hot mic suggesting that former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley would "get smoked" against former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary.

Christie announced the suspension of his campaign at a New Hampshire event, saying "[i]t's clear to me tonight, that there isn't a path for me to win the nomination, which is why I'm suspending my campaign tonight for president of the United States."

Prior to the start of the event, however, Christie could be heard to say "I mean look, she’s spent like 68 million so far, just on TV — spent 68 million so far — 59 million by DeSantis, and we spent 12. I mean, who’s punching above their weight and who’s getting a return on their investment, you know?" according to The Hill. "And she’s gonna get smoked. And you and I both know it. She's not up to this."

The remark drew quips from other Republicans, including Trump, who posted "I hear Chris Christie is dropping out of the race today — I might even get to like him again! Anyway, he was just caught on a hot mic making a very truthful statement: 'She's gonna get smoked…You and I both know it, she's not up to this.'"

"I agree with Christie that Nikki Haley is 'going to get smoked,'" Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis posted.

Christie did not endorse another candidate.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.