New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is applauding the selection of Christopher Wray for FBI director, citing Wray’s efforts as his personal attorney during the Bridgegate investigation.
“When I had to retain legal counsel during a very, very troubling, confusing and difficult time for me, I made one phone call and that was to Chris Wray,” Christie told reporters Wednesday. “I can’t give a better recommendation than that.”
Trump announced Wednesday he had selected Wray, who led the Justice Department’s criminal division under former President George W. Bush, to replace James Corey as FBI director.
“I think that the president of the United States should be commended,” Christie said. “He did a deliberative process. He met lots of people, from what I understand. And in the end when I heard that he had made the choice of Chris Wray, I commend him for it, the president made an outstanding choice, a non-political choice.”
In 2013, members of Christie’s administration were accused of closing several lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey to create traffic problems to punish the town’s mayor. Christie has maintained that he didn’t know about the plot. He retained Wray as his personal attorney during the investigation.
“I think people in law enforcement will all be thrilled to know that they’ve got a smart, independent voice and a person who has a great amount of integrity as anyone I’ve ever worked with,” Christie said. “The FBI will be well-served.”
