Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
President Trump met with Chris Christie last evening and considers him a top contender to replace John Kelly as chief of staff, a source familiar with the president’s thinking tells Axios.
Behind the scenes: Trump has met with a couple of others, but the way he’s discussed Christie to confidants makes them think he’s serious. Christie is "tough; he’s an attorney; he’s politically-savvy, and one of Trump’s early supporters,” the source said. The former New Jersey governor's legal background may also come in handy next year.
Between the lines: Christie is used to being a principal, and it’s unclear how he would handle playing second fiddle. Also, he is not a friend of the Kushners. (As U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Christie sent Jared’s father to prison.)
Also spotted at the White House yesterday ... another contender for chief of staff: David Bossie, Trump's 2016 deputy campaign manager.
P.S. "President Trump's hunt for a new chief of staff has taken on the feel of a reality TV show," the AP reports.
- Author Chris Whipple, an expert on chiefs of staff, called the search process "sad to watch."