November 11, 2016
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie got demoted Friday.
He's out as the leader of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, The New York Times reports. Instead, Vice President-elect Mike Pence has taken over transition planning, with help from at least a dozen others, including three of Trumps adult children and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Christie is now a vice chair of the transition team.
According to the Times’ report, Christie’s standing had been in question after two of his former aides were convicted in the Bridgegate scandal.
Christie issued a bland statement thanking Trump for the opportunity to serve.
President-elect Trump apparently told advisers he wanted to tap Pence’s Washington experience and contacts to help move the process along, according to people familiar with the discussions.
An executive committee, including members of Congress and Trump's son-in-law, will now advise Pence.
Christie, along with Rudolph Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, and Michael T. Flynn, a retired lieutenant general who has been a top campaign supporter, will serve as vice chairs of the transition, sources have told the Times.
Rick Dearborn, the chief of staff to Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., will help run the transition office.
The move will push aside Rich Bagger, who is close to Christie and had been working on the transition.
For the full Times account, click here.
