Washington, March 14 (NationPress) Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has expressed concerns that actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration are undermining confidence in American institutions. He emphasized that the politicization of the Justice Department could have profound and enduring effects on the nation’s legal framework.

During a discussion on the podcast 'The Fifth Column', Christie highlighted that the most alarming aspect of the current political environment is the harm being inflicted on the institutions that are foundational to the US democratic framework.

“What he’s done with this Justice Department is the most damaging element of this administration. It’s not even a close call,” Christie remarked.

Christie, who held the position of Governor of New Jersey for two terms and later sought the Republican Presidential nomination, noted that the increasing belief that legal actions are politically motivated could greatly diminish public trust in the rule of law.

“Once the public believes that the political affiliation of a prosecutor influences their decisions rather than the facts, how can you rectify that perception?” he questioned.

Christie stated that rebuilding trust in the justice system would require considerable time and political effort.

“If there is any hope of rehabilitating the Justice Department, it would demand two full terms to accomplish that,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that the repercussions of the current political climate are already observable in courtrooms, where judges are increasingly skeptical of governmental claims.

“Judges are no longer accepting assertions of facts from the government at face value because of the actions of this Justice Department,” he stated.

The former Governor criticized the political dynamics within the Republican Party, asserting that many lawmakers publicly support Trump out of fear of political repercussions.

“It’s not so much about Trump,” Christie explained. “It’s about their apprehension towards him, which is political rather than personal.”

He expressed that many Republican leaders are concerned that opposing the President could spark primary challenges supported by Trump, jeopardizing their political careers.

“They fear a primary where Trump endorses an opponent, resulting in them losing their positions,” he noted. “That’s the crux of the issue.”

Despite his critiques, Christie indicated that he has not yet considered leaving the Republican Party, although he acknowledged that the party has undergone significant changes in recent years.

“I’m not yet ready to make that move,” he stated when asked about abandoning the party.

Christie contended that the party has increasingly shifted its focus towards loyalty to Trump, rather than adhering to consistent political principles.

“There are no longer any principles in my party,” he remarked. “The sole principle now is Trump.”

Once the chair of Trump’s presidential transition team in 2016, Christie later emerged as one of the most vocal Republican critics of the President. He noted that the current political climate reflects a broader evolution within the party and the political landscape of the nation.

Trump continues to be a central figure in Republican politics, reshaping the party around his populist rhetoric and personal brand. Christie suggested that the political scene may shift significantly when Trump eventually exits the stage.

“Donald Trump will eventually leave, and when he does, it will create a significant transition period that could reshape American politics,” Christie concluded.