Trump Officials Mock Gaming Industry for Enlisting Chris Christie as Adviser

Administration officials criticize the American Gaming Association's decision to hire the former New Jersey governor as a strategic adviser.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Administration officials are mocking the American Gaming Association (AGA) for enlisting former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a staunch Trump critic and twice-failed presidential candidate, as a strategic adviser. Trump staffers claim Christie is a despised figure in the administration and that his involvement will be ineffective for the gaming industry.

Why it matters

The AGA is the main trade group for the commercial and tribal gaming industries, and they are against sports-related contracts on prediction markets. Christie's focus is on sports-related contracts, which has put him at odds with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's stance on regulating these markets.

The details

Trump administration officials, speaking anonymously, have criticized the AGA's decision to hire Christie, calling it a 'major mistake' and saying the former governor is 'strongly disliked in the White House.' They claim Christie has been on the 'losing side of every political battle he's fought' and that his involvement will be an 'unforced error' for the gaming industry, which is already in a 'precarious position.'

  • On February 17, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed an amicus brief defending its 'exclusive jurisdiction over all commodity derivatives markets, including prediction markets.'

The players

Chris Christie

A former Republican governor of New Jersey and twice-failed presidential candidate who is a staunch critic of the Trump administration.

American Gaming Association (AGA)

The main trade group for the commercial and tribal gaming industries, which is against sports-related contracts on prediction markets.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

The federal agency that regulates prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, and has defended its 'exclusive jurisdiction' over these markets.

Michael Selig

The chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, who has stated that the CFTC has the 'expertise and responsibility to defend its exclusive jurisdiction over commodity derivatives.'

Trump administration officials

Anonymous officials in the Trump administration who are mocking the AGA's decision to hire Chris Christie as a strategic adviser.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot think of a worse bet for the casino industry to make than hiring Chris Christie, a guy who is strongly disliked in the White House and around the administration. Was Karine Jean-Pierre not available?”

— Trump administration official (Breitbart News)

“Chris Christie has been on the losing side of every political battle he's fought since bridgegate. He's one of the most despised figures among Trump staffers, Trump himself hates him, and he hasn't done anything relevant in a decade. The gaming industry is in a precarious position right now and this is an unforced error.”

— Senior Trump administration official (Breitbart News)

“Someone should inform Chris Christie that 'gaming' doesn't include the McDonald's Monopoly sweepstakes. The only 'game' he's familiar with is Hungry Hungry Hippos, from which he derives real life inspiration.”

— Trump administration official (Breitbart News)

“Hiring Chris Christie to influence the Trump administration is somehow, laughably, less effective than dieting has been for said former governor.”

— Trump administration official (Breitbart News)

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the gaming industry, as well as the political baggage and ineffectiveness that Christie brings to the table as an adviser. It underscores the challenges the industry faces in navigating the regulatory landscape and the importance of strategic partnerships that can effectively influence policymakers.