Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist and campaign chairman, ensured that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) would never obtain a cabinet position in the White House after the governor allegedly showed insufficient loyalty to Trump in the wake of Access Hollywood 2016 tape leak.
In Bannon’s new interview with CBS News’ Charlie Rose, he described the damaging leak, released a few weeks before the election, as a “litmus test” of the judgment and loyalty of Trump’s advisers. The 2005 video of Trump, then a reality TV star, famously showed him bragging on a hot mike to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush that his stardom allowed him to “grab [women] by the pussy.”
Christie failed that test, according to Bannon, when he didn’t show up for a flight on the campaign jet the weekend after the scandal broke.
“I’m Irish. I gotta get my black book and I got ’em,” Bannon told Rose in an excerpt of the interview that aired on “CBS This Morning” on Friday. “Christie, because of Billy Bush weekend ... was not looked at for a cabinet position.”
Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist and campaign chairman, said that he punished New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) for not standing by Trump. (Photo: NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Bannon also lost confidence in Reince Priebus, the then-chairman of the Republican National Committee who went on to become Trump’s chief of staff, over his reaction to the tape.
In a room full of advisers consulting Trump on how to respond to the controversial leak, Priebus told Trump he faced a choice between dropping out and losing by “the biggest landslide in American history,” according to Bannon.
Bannon, however, insisted that Trump still had a “100 percent probability of winning.”
He bet that Trump’s working-class base would not care about the tape, because it was “locker room talk.”
“It was a winner. That’s why I told him ‘double down’ every time,” Bannon recalled. “And on that day, that’s the first time and only time he ever got upset with me. He goes, ‘Come on, it’s not 100 percent.’ I go, ‘It’s absolutely 100 percent.’ And I told him why: ‘They don’t care.’”
Bannon resigned from the White House under pressure in August, amid public uproar over President Trump’s equivocal response to the deadly white supremacist violence that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia. Bannon praised Trump for drawing an equivalency between the actions of white supremacist demonstrators and left-leaning counterprotesters, though it is not clear if he played a role in convincing Trump to take that approach.
Bannon, a self-described “economic nationalist” who fashioned himself the guardian of right-wing populism in the White House, long clashed with the so-called “Wall Street”-wing of Trump’s inner circle. His advocacy for trade and immigration restrictions, among other topics, diverged from the views of top advisers like Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council.
Since leaving the White House, Bannon has resumed his role at the helm of Breitbart, a right-wing news site that Bannon infamously built into an outpost of pro-Trump nationalism and white racial resentment.
Bannon’s account of Christie’s estrangement from Trump is both consistent with his reputation as a validator of Trump’s unapologetic instincts, and the public information available about Christie’s sudden departure from Trump’s orbit.
In the days after the Access Hollywood leak, Christie did not join other Trump campaign surrogates in defending Trump on television.
Instead, Christie made his first remarks on the matter while guest-hosting “Boomer and Carton,” a CBS New York sports talk radio show, the Tuesday after the incident. In the appearance, Christie shared his displeasure not only with Trump’s conduct in the video, which he called “indefensible,” but also the campaign’s defense of the behavior and decision to deflect with attacks on former President Bill Clinton’s sexual scandals.
“I think he should have been much more direct and much more focused on just saying ‘I’m sorry’ and only ‘I’m sorry,’” Christie said, even as he claimed he would still supported the president’s bid.
Christie was one of the first nationally prominent Republican officials to get behind Trump’s candidacy. He endorsed the real estate mogul shortly after his own presidential campaign ended in February 2016.
Trump rewarded Christie by naming him chief of the presidential transition team. The blunt New Jersey governor was rumored to be on the short list for attorney general or another cabinet-level position in a Trump administration .
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks during the American Conservative Union Conference March 6, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The annual conference is a meeting of politically conservatives Americans. (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie during the American Conservative Union Conference March 6, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The annual conference is a meeting of politically conservatives Americans. (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie leaves the podium after addressing the American Conservative Union Conference(CPAC) March 6, 2014 at National Harbor, Maryland. The conference is the largest annual gathering of conservative leaders and activists, and when there's no Republican in the White House, it's a must-attend cattle call for GOP presidential hopefuls looking to pass the conference's conservative litmus test. (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - MARCH 06: Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) waves after speaking at the CPAC Conference, on March 6, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The American Conservative Union (CPAC) held its 41st annual Conservative Political conference at the Gaylord International Hotel. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers his budget address for fiscal year 2015 to the Legislature, February 25, 2014 at the Statehouse in Trenton, New Jersey. The $34.4 billion state budget proposes increased spending for schools and healthcare and also includes the largest -ever payment to the public worker pension fund. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers his budget address for fiscal year 2015 to the Legislature, February 25, 2014 at the Statehouse in Trenton, New Jersey. The $34.4 billion state budget proposes increased spending for schools and healthcare and also includes the largest -ever payment to the public worker pension fund. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 11: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at a Economic Club of Chicago luncheon moderated by Greg Brown, Chairman & CEO of Motorola Solutions on February 11, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Christie is in Chicago to help raise money for the Republican Governors Association that he chairs (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 11: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) fields questions from Greg Brown (L), Chairman & CEO of Motorola Solutions. during an Economic Club of Chicago luncheon on February 11, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Christie is in Chicago to help raise money for the Republican Governors Association that he chairs. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
KEANSBURG, NJ - FEBRUARY 04: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a press conference with families affected by Superstorm Sandy at a lounge in the New Point Comfort Fire Company on February 4, 2014 in Keansburg, New Jersey. Christie, whose governorship is being threatened by a scandal is facing federal investigation over use of Sandy funds. (Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
KEANSBURG, NJ - FEBRUARY 04: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) walks to his car after a press conference with families affected by Superstorm Sandy at a lounge in the New Point Comfort Fire Company on February 4, 2014 in Keansburg, New Jersey. Christie, whose governorship is being threatened by a scandal is facing federal investigation over use of Sandy funds. (Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
KEANSBURG, NJ - FEBRUARY 04: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) talks with Irene Neikem (R) a woman affected by Superstorm Sandy at a lounge in the New Point Comfort Fire Company on February 4, 2014 in Keansburg, New Jersey. Christie, whose governorship is being threatened by a scandal is facing federal investigation over use of Sandy funds. (Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
EWING, NJ - FEBRUARY 3: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie answers questions during his radio program 'Ask the Governor' on February 3, 2014, in Ewing, New Jersey. During the program, Christie took questions from callers for the first time in more than three weeks amid claims that a political vendetta was the cause of lane closures on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge that snarled traffic for days. (Photo by Mel Evans-Pool/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie attend a ceremony on February 1, 2014 at Times Square in New York where the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee leaders will join with city and state dignitaries to ceremoniously handoff hosting duties to the Arizona Host Committee, the day before Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 31: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks onstage at 'Howard Stern's Birthday Bash' presented by SiriusXM, produced by Howard Stern Productions at Hammerstein Ballroom on January 31, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Chris Christie
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 29: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at a press conference announcing new objectives to crack down on human and sex trafficking throughout the state of New Jersey, inspired in part by the upcoming Super Bowl, on January 29, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Christie Spoke along side New Jersey Attorney General John Hoffman and Cindy McCain, wife of Arizona Senator John McCain. The Super Bowl will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, this Sunday, February 2, 2014. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 29: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (6th L) speaks at a press conference announcing new objectives to crack down on human and sex trafficking throughout the state of New Jersey, inspired in part by the upcoming Super Bowl, on January 29, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Christie Spoke along side New Jersey Attorney General John Hoffman and Cindy McCain, wife of Arizona Senator John McCain. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
JERSEY CITY, NJ - JANUARY 27: Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie (L) and New York City Major Bill de Blasio attend the Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular at Liberty State Park on January 27, 2014 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - JANUARY 21: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in for his second term on January 21, 2014 at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey. Christie begins his second term amid controversy surrounding George Washington Bridge traffic and Hurricane Sandy relief distribution. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - JANUARY 21: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) is sworn in by Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Stuart Rabner for his second term on January 21, 2014 at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey. Christie begins his second term amid controversy surrounding George Washington Bridge traffic and Hurricane Sandy relief distribution. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - JANUARY 21: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) and wife Mary Pat look at the crowd after he was sworn in for his second term on January 21, 2014 at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey. Christie begins his second term amid controversy surrounding George Washington Bridge traffic and Hurricane Sandy relief distribution. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - JANUARY 14: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leaves after delivering the State of the State Address in the Assembly Chambers at the Statehouse on January 14, 2014 in Trenton, New Jersey. In his speech Christie briefly addressed the ongoing George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal saying his administration 'let down the people we are entrusted to serve' but also called for a longer school day for New Jersey students, and hinted that he will push for another round of pension reform. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
TRENTON, NJ - JANUARY 14: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers the State of the State Address in the Assembly Chambers at the Statehouse on January 14, 2014 in Trenton, New Jersey. In his speech Christie briefly addressed the ongoing George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal saying his administration 'let down the people we are entrusted to serve' but also called for a longer school day for New Jersey students, and hinted that he will push for another round of pension reform. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Chris Christie
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gestures during a news conference Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. Christie has fired a top aide who engineered political payback against a town mayor, saying she lied. Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly is the latest casualty in a widening scandal that threatens to upend Christie's second term and likely run for president in 2016. Documents show she arranged traffic jams to punish the mayor, who didn't endorse Christie for re-election. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Chris Christie
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a news conference Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 at the Statehouse in Trenton. N.J. Christie has fired a top aide who engineered political payback against a town mayor, saying she lied. Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly is the latest casualty in a widening scandal that threatens to upend Christie's second term and likely run for president in 2016. Documents show she arranged traffic jams to punish the mayor, who didn't endorse Christie for re-election. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Chris Christie
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie addresses a gathering in Union City, N.J., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. A top aide to Christie is linked through emails and text messages to a seemingly deliberate plan to create traffic gridlock in a town at the base of the George Washington Bridge after its mayor refused to endorse Christie for re-election. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Chris Christie
At Colin Powell elementary school in heavily Hispanic Union City, N.J., New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, ceremonially signs a bill that lowers tuition costs at public colleges for New Jersey students who lack lawful immigration status, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Chris Christie
Rep. Frank LoBiondo, left, listens at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J., on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, as Gov. Chris Christie endorses his re-election bid. LoBiondo represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes the state's southernmost counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem. The 67-year-old, 10-term congressman, has voted to ban gay marriage and limit access to abortion, and he also faces potential fallout in his Democratic-leaning district for last year's government shutdown. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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