Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) said President Donald Trump is becoming like former President Jimmy Carter as Iran gains leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the situation has left the president and global economy vulnerable.
Christie Compares Trump To Carter
On Sunday, in a post on X, Christie shared an ABC interview clip in which he criticized Trump’s lack of a clear strategy for dealing with Iran.
He wrote, “Donald Trump is about to become what he never wanted to be: Jimmy Carter. Held hostage by Iran. And it was all voluntary.”
The comparison invokes Carter’s presidency and the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, when Carter imposed sanctions on Iran but avoided striking Kharg Island, a key oil-export hub
Christie Slams Trump’s Iran Strategy
In the interview, Christie criticized Trump’s approach to Iran, saying, “The real problem here is it was an adventure without a plan.”
He pointed to Iranian demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including reparations, and argued that the situation has given Tehran significant leverage.
“What struck me was that Donald Trump is about to become what he never, ever wanted to be, Jimmy Carter,” Christie said.
He added, “He is being held hostage by Iran.”
Former New Jersey Governor said Iran was also holding the Strait of Hormuz and, consequently, the global economy “hostage.”
“I know from talking to him over the last 24 years, the one person he would never want to be is Jimmy Carter,” Christie said.
He added, “And here we are. And it was all voluntary.”
Iran-US Hormuz Talks
This week, Iran said a deal with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz had reached its “final stages,” but Tehran had demanded sanctions relief, compensation and an end to the U.S. naval blockade.
President Trump said the U.S. was “only semi-negotiating” with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators were “very close to an agreement,” while Vice President JD Vance said talks were progressing but warned the conflict was not over.
Former Trump counterterrorism chief Joe Kent urged the U.S. to withdraw from the Strait of Hormuz and offer sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets in exchange for reopening the waterway, warning that a continued U.S. military presence could risk renewed conflict.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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