Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie sharply criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during an interview with POLITICO, accusing the outgoing governor of hypocrisy and questioning his motives for criticizing the Republican Party's performance in the 2026 midterm elections.

The exchange comes as prominent Republicans offer competing explanations for the party's losses on Nov. 3. DeSantis, who has generally supported Trump since ending his own 2024 presidential campaign, described the election results as a rebuke of the president and criticized the party's emphasis on cultural issues rather than economic concerns and the cost of living.

Christie questioned why DeSantis was now speaking out against the administration after previously aligning himself with Trump. He suggested the governor's criticism was driven partly by his approaching departure from office and potential political ambitions beyond Florida.

“I think the governor is getting ready to leave office, and he's looking for a way to be relevant,” Christie said. “And I think he looks like he's talking out of both sides of his mouth.”

DeSantis previously challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, but suspended his campaign and endorsed the president. He later returned to supporting Trump, making his latest criticism of the administration a point of contention as Republicans look toward the 2028 presidential race.

Christie's remarks also come as DeSantis prepares to leave the governor's office when his term ends in January 2027. The Florida governor is widely discussed as a potential figure in the next Republican presidential contest, although he has not announced another campaign.

The disagreement reflects a growing divide among Republicans over how to respond to the midterm results and whether the party should continue following Trump's political direction. Christie has argued that Republicans need new leadership, while DeSantis has criticized parts of the party's campaign strategy and how it handles issues affecting voters.

Christie, who ran for president in 2016 and 2024, has said he is considering another White House campaign in 2028. His criticism of DeSantis highlights the emerging rivalry among Republicans positioning themselves for the party's next presidential nomination