Christie denies knowledge of settlement that reduced Trump casino debt by millions

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie denied knowledge Wednesday of a reported settlement that reduced the amount of debt owed by Donald Trump’s casinos by roughly $25 million.

The New York Times reported earlier Wednesday on the settlement, the product of a long-running legal battle involving the state of New Jersey and Trump’s Atlantic City casinos.

According to the article, the state fought in court to collect overdue taxes, which had grown to nearly $30 million – but after Christie, a Republican and Trump ally, took office, the state in 2011 accepted a $5 million settlement.

Christie spokesman Brian Murray said in a statement Wednesday, though, that Christie was not involved in the settlement, which was handled by the state Department of Treasury and Office of the Attorney General.

“The New York Times once again shows their bias by using a complex bankruptcy settlement to weave a piece of political fiction. They ignore this simple fact: Governor Christie had no knowledge of or involvement in the routine settlement of this matter by the State Treasurer and Attorney General," Murray said.

According to the Times, public records are unclear on how the settlement agreement was reached.

The Times reported that a Trump spokeswoman did not provide comment for the piece.

Fox News' Kathleen Foster contributed to this report.