Following the assassination attempt, Trump has the chance to steer the GOP in a fresh direction, according to Chris Christie.

Chris Christie, a former New Jersey governor and longtime Trump critic, is urging the GOP presidential nominee to guide the party towards a "new direction" after the assassination attempt on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Christie penned a guest essay in The New York Times expressing his hope that Republicans would progress and ex-President Trump would exhibit a willingness to transform.

Christie wrote that Mr. Trump can show the determination to alter not just our communication but also our behavior. This occasion can verify that our nation is more significant than any political party, but only if we strive for it.

"Mr. Trump has the chance to curb some of the worst rhetorical impulses of the Republican Party during its convention this week. He can steer the party and its leadership in a new direction following the assassination attempt against him."

Christie criticized Trump's vice presidential choice, Ohio Senator JD Vance, stating that it prioritizes the party's existing base over expanding its reach.

Christie stated that Mr. Vance's initial response to the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump was to immediately turn to the current, imperfect playbook: accuse the opposing side and place the blame on the Democrats, as if they were the ones who carried out the attack.

The former governor praised Trump for expressing his desire to unite the country in an interview with the New York Post, even though he was uncertain about its feasibility, and for delivering a new speech for his acceptance of the 2024 presidential nomination.

"This is a start," Christie remarked.

In 2016 and 2020, Christie endorsed Trump, but later became a fierce critic and ran against him for the nomination in 2024. Despite not receiving much support, he stood out among GOP primary opponents with his harsh criticism of the former president. Ultimately, he dropped out of the race in January.

Christie contended that the use of harsher and more divisive language has led to "gridlock in Congress," "impeachments," and "endless meaningless congressional hearings," resulting in a "catastrophization" of politics and our elections.

He wrote that merely disagreeing is not enough; we must view that disagreement as a sign of distrust in the other, a hatred towards our fellow Americans who hold different views, and a need to prove that our perspective is righteous while theirs is evil.

Christie refuted claims that Trump was responsible for the assassination attempt, stating that it was a conspiracy theory or an inside job.

Mr. Trump has become a victim of a culture that he manifestly contributed to making worse with his inflammatory and irresponsible language and actions.

Despite the differences, Christie said the country needs to look forward.

"Our differences have always been our strength as a country, not a weakness," said Christie, adding that the assassination attempt has "put us at a crossroads."