Christie ‘surprised’ Pence to campaign after aides test positive for COVID-19

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a top GOP ally of President Trump, said he’s surprised that Vice President Pence is hitting the campaign trail after Pence’s chief of staff and other aides tested positive for the coronavirus.

“I think everybody’s got to put the health of the people they’re going to be in touch with first,” said Christie, who tested positive for the coronavirus and was hospitalized earlier this month. 

“You got to keep yourself away from everybody, and I’m a little bit surprised,” he said on ABC’s “This Week” in response to a question from host Martha Raddatz about the news from Pence’s office. 

“The whole getting of COVID to begin with and the not wearing of masks has been a problem,” Christie said at the beginning of his remarks.

Christie contracted the coronavirus in early October after the first presidential debate. The former New Jersey governor had worked with Trump on his debate preparations.

He spent one week in the hospital after his diagnosis as a “precautionary measure” due to his history of asthma.

Christie attended the White House ceremony announcing Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, which has since been regarded as a superspreader event.

Christie has since said he was wrong to not wear a mask to the event, mistakenly believing himself to be in the “safe zone” due to the testing requirements at the White House.