'Step out of politics': Chris Christie mocked as he quits 2024 race with scathing message for Trump

WINDHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie found himself thrust into an unusual spotlight as he announced his decision to end his 2024 bid for the White House just days before the Iowa caucus.

The 61-year-old former GOP candidate announced his decision on Wednesday, January 10 at a town hall in Windham, telling the audience that he had no pathway to victory.

"It’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 for president of the United States,” he stated.

During his exit address, Christie also delivered a scathing message for Former President Donald Trump, saying “If we want to change this party, and if we want to change this country, it's hard work. It's not easy”

"From the moment I got into the race, the decision that I made was really simple: I would rather lose by telling the truth than lie in order to win."

"I am going to make sure that in no way do I enable Donald Trump ever be president of the United States again. And that's more important than my own personal ambition,” he added, according to US Today.

Christie did not promote a rival, but his withdrawal would give his Republican opponents greater momentum. However, before his shocking announcement, the former Governor made a few unofficial remarks — off camera on a live microphone — skewering his now former GOP rivals.

“She’s gonna get smoked and you and I both know it. She’s not up to this,” Christie could be heard saying, referring to former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.

He also mentioned that DeSantis had contacted him. “DeSantis called me, petrified that I would…,” Christie said before the audio cut out, according to CNN.

Why did Chris Christie drop out of the presidential race

Christie's withdrawal came on the heels of a string of unsatisfactory poll results, particularly in New Hampshire, where he had hoped that a less conservative electorate would unite behind his adamant opposition to Trump, whom he called "devoid of character."

Christie had begun his campaign in June, targeting Trump and positioning himself as the 77-year-old former president's substitute.

The real estate mogul also reacted to his rival’s departure, saying "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,'" he added.

However, reports have claimed that Christie’s departure might boost Haley, who has also selectively criticized Trump and who has been fighting for a similar group of moderate voters in New Hampshire.

Haley and Christie have both overperformed among self-described independents in polls ahead of New Hampshire’s Jan. 23 open primary.

Internet reacts to Chris Christie’s departure

Christie has been facing brutal mockery online after announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential run. “With all due respect, step out of politics altogether,” one user slammed.

“I don’t believe you. I don’t trust you. And I never will,” the second user fumed. “I think you’re overestimating your influence on the GOP. Most people in the GOP don’t care what you think which is why you’re dropping out!” the third user asserted.

“As long as you aren’t, we don’t care. Like you ever had a shot. Lol,” the fourth user mocked, while the fifth one said, “You have so much power and influence that you had to drop out of the race. 😂”

"Buddy you'll lose your hate war the same way you've lost every race you've touched,” another user said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.