Major Controversies Surrounding Chris Christie: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Chris Christie.

Chris Christie is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. A Republican, he previously served as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey (2002-2008) and as a Morris County commissioner (1995-1997). Christie has run for the Republican presidential nomination twice, in 2016 and 2024. Known for his direct and often confrontational style, his tenure as governor was marked by both successes, such as pension reform, and controversies, including the "Bridgegate" scandal.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: Issued Subpoena Regarding Menendez

In 2006, Christie issued a subpoena regarding Robert Menendez 65 days before the Senate election.

2009: Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage

In 2009, Christie indicated he would veto any bill legalizing same-sex marriage in New Jersey, stating marriage should be exclusively between one man and one woman.

2009: Attempted settlement with Exxon Mobil

In 2009, Jon Corzine's administration attempted to settle with Exxon Mobil for $550 million before a ruling that strengthened the state's bargaining position.

March 2010: Signed State Pension Reform Bills

In March 2010, Christie signed into law three state pension reform bills, which had passed with bipartisan support.

May 2010: Non-renomination of Justice John E. Wallace Jr.

In May 2010, Christie chose not to renominate Justice John E. Wallace Jr., breaking with the tradition of political balance in the New Jersey Supreme Court.

August 25, 2010: Race to the Top Grant Issue

On August 25, 2010, it was announced that New Jersey would not receive $400 million in federal Race to the Top education grants due to a clerical error.

2010: Cancellation of Access to the Region's Core Project

In 2010, Christie cancelled the Access to the Region's Core project, citing escalating costs, which would have constructed new tunnels under the Hudson River.

May 26, 2011: Pulled State Out of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

On May 26, 2011, Chris Christie announced he would pull the state out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

October 5, 2011: Menendez Investigation Cleared

On October 5, 2011, the investigation of Robert Menendez, which started before Christie left office as U.S. Attorney, was finally cleared.

February 17, 2012: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Legalization Bill

On February 17, 2012, Christie vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in New Jersey, proposing a statewide ballot referendum instead.

January 2013: Veto of minimum wage increase bill

In January 2013, Christie vetoed a bill from the New Jersey Legislature that would have raised the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 per hour.

June 2013: Veto of animal welfare bill

In June 2013, Christie vetoed S1921, an animal welfare bill introduced by the Humane Society of the United States to prohibit the use of gestation crates on pregnant pigs in the state, despite its wide support in the General Assembly and the Senate.

September 13, 2013: Lane closures end after five days

On September 13, 2013, the traffic lanes accessing the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee, NJ, that had been closed for five days, were reopened after causing massive traffic congestion.

October 18, 2013: Denial of Stay Request by State Supreme Court

On October 18, 2013, the state supreme court denied the Christie administration's request for a stay of the decision mandating equal protection for same-sex couples.

February 3, 2014: Christie denies knowledge of lane closures

On February 3, 2014, Chris Christie stated he had no prior knowledge or involvement in the George Washington Bridge lane closures, claiming he first learned of the traffic jams from The Wall Street Journal.

March 2014: Court Ruled Christie Acted Illegally

In March 2014, the court ruled that Christie had acted illegally in pulling the state out of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

May 2014: Cut Pension Fund Contributions

In May 2014, Christie cut the contributions to New Jersey public workers' pension funds for a 14-month period by nearly $2.5 billion to deal with a revenue shortfall in the state budget.

July 2014: Vetoed Legislation on Ammunition Magazines

In July 2014, Christie vetoed legislation that would have reduced the allowed legal size of ammunition magazines and proposed a new standard for involuntary commitment of people with mental illness.

September 18, 2014: Federal sources claim Christie had no knowledge of Bridgegate

On September 18, 2014, WNBC reported that unnamed federal sources said the US attorney investigation had found no evidence that Christie had prior knowledge of or directed the closures.

November 27, 2014: Veto of bill banning gestation crates

On November 27, 2014, Christie vetoed a bill banning gestation crates, after indicating he would do so while campaigning in Iowa.

December 2014: Interim report on Bridgegate released

In December 2014, an interim report by the New Jersey legislative committee investigating the George Washington Bridge lane closures was released, but it was unable to determine if Christie had advance knowledge.

2014: Hydraulic Fracturing Ban Vetoed

In 2014, Chris Christie rejected permanent bans on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in New Jersey and vetoed measures that would ban the process and disposal of hydraulic fracturing waste in the State.

May 1, 2015: No further charges to be brought in Bridgegate case

On May 1, 2015, U.S. attorney Paul J. Fishman announced that his office would not bring any more charges in the "Bridgegate" case based on available evidence.

July 2015: Vetoed bill regarding mental health records and firearm purchases

In July 2015, Christie vetoed a bill requiring individuals seeking to expunge their mental health records to notify law enforcement when petitioning the court to purchase a firearm.

September 2016: Acknowledging Bridgegate Scandal

In September 2016, Chris Christie acknowledged that the Fort Lee lane closure scandal, also known as Bridgegate, played a role in his being denied the nomination.

September 2016: Prosecutors allege boasting to Christie about Bridgegate

In September 2016, federal prosecutors in the trial of two New Jersey government officials over their involvement in "Bridgegate" said that a defendant and a witness boasted about their actions to the governor at the time.

October 13, 2016: Misconduct complaint against Christie allowed to proceed

On October 13, 2016, a complaint of official misconduct was allowed to proceed, alleging that Christie knew about the George Washington Bridge lane closures while they were ongoing but failed to act.

November 4, 2016: Christie aides convicted in Bridgegate trial

On November 4, 2016, former top Christie aides Bill Baroni and Bridget Anne Kelly were convicted on all charges in the George Washington Bridge lane closure trial.

2016: Criticizing Trump During Campaign

During the 2016 campaign and thereafter, Christie focused on attacking Trump, including at his campaign launch.

January 2017: No criminal charges against Christie in Bridgegate scandal

In January 2017, Bergen County prosecutors announced they would not seek criminal charges against Christie in connection with the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal.

March 2017: Baroni and Kelly sentenced for Bridgegate

In March 2017, Bill Baroni was sentenced to two years in prison and Bridget Anne Kelly to 18 months in prison for their involvement in the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal.

July 2017: Christie vacations on closed beach during shutdown

In July 2017, during a budget shutdown, Governor Chris Christie and his family were photographed vacationing on a beach closed to the public at Island Beach State Park, drawing criticism.

2017: Criticism of School Funding Proposal

In 2017, Chris Christie's school funding proposal was described by education researchers as "one of the least equitable in the country".

2017: Conditional Veto of Child Marriage Ban Bill

In 2017, Christie conditionally vetoed a bill that would have banned child marriages in New Jersey, suggesting a complete ban for those under 16 and judicial approval for those aged 16 and 17.

May 2018: Christie's record handling questioned after leaving office

In May 2018, Christie's handling of office records and denial of access to electronic records related to Jared Kushner's business dealings came under scrutiny, following his departure from office.

June 2019: Report on Christie's Administration Concerns Released

In June 2019, an 18-page report was released outlining questions and potential concerns regarding Chris Christie joining the Trump administration.

May 7, 2020: Supreme Court overturns Bridgegate convictions

On May 7, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the convictions of Bill Baroni and Bridget Anne Kelly in the Bridgegate scandal.

May 2020: Stating COVID-19 Measures Should Be Lifted

In May 2020, Chris Christie stated that measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States should be lifted for economic reasons.

September 29, 2020: Aiding Trump's Debate Preparations

On September 29, 2020, Chris Christie helped President Trump prepare for his first debate with Joe Biden, participating in prep sessions at the White House without facial coverings despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.