Former President Donald Trump took a jab at Chris Christie, a fellow contender for the Republican presidential nomination, by poking fun at his eating habits and weight during a speech.

In a lighthearted manner, Trump playfully rebuked an audience member who called out about Christie’s weight, advising against name-calling.

Trump, discussing recent polls that placed him ahead, mentioned Christie, a former New Jersey governor and one-time close adviser. He commented, “Christie, he’s eating right now. He can’t be bothered.”

An attendee in the crowd urged Trump not to resort to name-calling, and Trump responded, “Sir, please do not call him a fat pig. I’m trying to be nice. Don’t call him a fat pig. You can’t do that.”

Trump critics

Christie, who tied for second place with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a recent New Hampshire Journal poll, has been vocal in his criticism of Trump. A super PAC supporting Christie even ran a full-page ad accusing Trump of avoiding debates due to his reluctance to commit to the upcoming GOP debate.

Despite Christie’s previous criticism, his aides did not immediately respond to Trump’s comments. The former governor had campaign events scheduled in New Hampshire for the following days.

In the past, Christie has responded humorously to Trump’s comments about his weight, jokingly questioning Trump’s own physical appearance.

During the speech, Trump also reiterated false claims about the 2020 election being “rigged” and “stolen.” He criticized the indictments against him in multiple jurisdictions and addressed the federal government’s request for a protective order in his election case, accusing them of infringing on his First Amendment rights.