The third Republican primary debate featured five 2024 presidential candidates debating a series of topics on stage Wednesday night.

While several of the candidates butted heads with each other and in the absence of Donald Trump, a legendary billionaire investor unexpectedly became the focus of criticism.

What Happened: Legendary investor Warren Buffett is best known as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK) (NYSE:BRK). The billionaire is also known for a pledge to give away billions of dollars of his wealth over time.

The audience of the third Republican primary debate may have been caught off guard when Buffett became the subject of an attack over money from 2024 presidential hopeful Chris Christie.

Christie was asked on fixing Social Security during the debate, which was broadcast on Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) owned NBC and Peacock and also streamed on Rumble (NASDAQ:RUM).

"(Social Security) was established as a safety net program to make sure that no one would grow old in this country in poverty," Christie said. "Rich people should not be collecting Social Security."

While discussing Social Security, Christie took direct aim at Buffett, according to Newsweek.

"I don't know if Warren Buffett is collecting Social Security. But if he is, shame on you, you shouldn't be taking the money."

Christie said the three factors to fix Social Security are retirement age, eligibility and taxes. The presidential candidate ruled out raising taxes.

"We need to be realistic. We are already overtaxed in this country."

Christie wouldn't dive into further details on the age requirements and said that he would discuss the issue further if he is elected president, with Congress needing to be involved.

Related Link: Did Warren Buffett Trade Stocks Berkshire Hathaway Owned In His Private Stock Portfolio?

Why It's Important: According to a report from the U.S. Treasury Department, the Social Security program, which supports 67 million Americans annually, could see funds depleted by 2034.

Buffett is 93 years old and able to collect checks from Social Security, but it is not known if he ever has.

It's not clear why Christie chose to single out Buffett over any other billionaire of Social Security collecting age. The presidential candidate previously targeted Buffett in 2012.

"He should just write a check and shut up, really, and just contribute," Christie said of Buffett at the time. "I'm tired of hearing about it, if he wants to give the government more money he's got the ability to write a check, go ahead and write it."

The comment in 2012 prompted a response from Buffett at the time.

"It's sort of a touching response to a $1.2 trillion deficit, isn't it? That somehow the American people will all send in checks and take care of it?" Buffett said at the time.

With a wealth of $116 billion, Buffett is currently the eighth-richest person in the world, according to Bloomberg.

Read Next: Trump Hits Record Support In 2024 Election GOP Poll

Photo: Shutterstock