The source added that Christie’s stout defense of Trump and unwillingness to criticize him may have backfired, saying, “You want someone who’s willing to be a Devil’s advocate at times.”

Last month, Gingrich had called Trump’s use of racial remarks to attack the integrity of a federal judge “inexcusable” and called for the mogul to “move his game up to the level of being a potential leader.”

The reason why Christie was asked to fill out the 100 plus pages of disclosure documents?

“They’ve been vetting him (because) it would be embarrassing not to be vetted,” said the source.