Most polls show former President Donald Trump leading the GOP primary contest, with Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley being nearly tied for second place.

However, another candidate recently charged that both DeSantis and Haley are being dishonest about why they are actually in the race. 

Chris Christie: DeSantis and Haley are doing "the best they can to come in second"

According to the Washington Examiner, that allegation was put forward by former New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie during a Wednesday appearance on ABC's The View.

Specifically, Christie claimed that neither DeSantis nor Haley is really interested in beating Trump. Instead, the former governor insisted that each of the candidates are simply doing "the best they can to come in second" while being careful not to offend Trump's supporters ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Christie chastises "INTELLECTUAL DISHONESTY" of DeSantis and Haley campaigns. #ChrisChristie #DeSantis #NikkiHaley #PresidentialElection #TheView

MORE: https://t.co/4tXZlGY3cP pic.twitter.com/tswVORUv6B

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 3, 2024

When host Sunny Hostin asked if that amounted to "intellectual dishonesty," Christie said that it did and accused them of practicing "the most cynical type of politics."

Christie promised to support whoever the Republican Party nominates

However, a report from Breitbart suggests that Christie may have opened himself up to allegations of dishonesty this week.

The website noted that Christie previously signed a pledge to the Republican National Committee (RNC) promising he would support whoever the party ultimately nominates as its nominee.

Signing the pledge "to save our country and beat Joe Biden" was a condition for all candidates wishing to participate in officially sanctioned debates.

See you in Milwaukee! pic.twitter.com/zFeGjrtLph

— Team DeSantis (@TeamDeSantis) August 9, 2023

Christie will not back Trump, regrets endorsing him in 2024

Despite his earlier promise, Christie told MSNBC host Mike Barnicle on Wednesday that he will not back former President Trump under any circumstances.

The former governor has also put out a campaign ad in which he expressed regret for having endorsed Trump in 2016.

"Eight years ago when I decided to endorse Donald Trump for president, I did it because he was winning, and I did it because I thought I could make him a better candidate and a better president," he said.

Christie went on to say he "was wrong" and "made a mistake" in getting behind Trump before going on to dismiss any suggestion that he will drop out of the race.