Donald Trump wins endorsement of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for president

The endorsement will come as another boost to Mr Trump

Mr Christie said Mr Trump is the best person to lead the US (AP)

Donald Trump received an important endorsement on Friday after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made a surprise decision that he was backing the tycoon for the White House.

“I am proud to be here to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States,” Mr Christie told reporters in Texas, in an endorsement that represents Mr Trump's biggest backing to date.

“The best person to beat Hillary Clinton on that stage last night is undoubtedly Donald Trump."


 Donald Trump fought of criticism from all sides at Thursday's debate
 (AP)

CNN said Mr Trump and Mr Christie appeared on stage together the day after a rough debate performance where the New York real estate mogul faced off against Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

Mr Christie, who dropped out of the race after a poor showing in New Hampshire, and Mr Trump took turns attacking Mr Rubio, who himself spent the morning insulting the billionaire businessman.

“Desperate people do desperate things,” Mr Christie said, when asked about Rubio's comments, adding that his remarks were the “flailing punches in the final days of the campaign.”

Mr Trump poked fun at Mr Rubio for wearing too much makeup during Thursday's debate.

“I saw him backstage and he was putting it on with a trowel,” Mr Trump said, before repeating his attack that the Florida senator chokes under pressure.