TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is denying a published report that he said Donald Trump's "presidency is over" if he doesn't recognize the seriousness of the opioid crisis.

Former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy told The Washington Post that the Republican governor made the comments. Kennedy serves on the federal opioid commission that Christie chairs.

In a statement issued Monday, Christie says the remarks attributed to him "are false." He added that Trump understands the issue and supports the efforts to combat it. Christie says he is "confident that the president's actions will speak louder than anything else."

Kennedy, a Democrat who now lives in southern New Jersey, said commission members are worried that their recommendation that Trump declare a national emergency on opioids will not be adopted.

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