The Explosive Link Between Trump's Behavior and the House GOP Chaos
Ex-Rep Liz Cheney links House GOP turmoil to Trump's actions, highlighting the perilous consequences of Republican support for him
Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney connected the troubling turmoil within the House GOP to the actions of former President Donald Trump and the Republicans who have backed him. Cheney highlighted the leadership choices made by Kevin McCarthy since the 2020 election and particularly following the events of January 6. She expressed disappointment in McCarthy's decision to ignore the threats to our democracy posed by Trump and his supporters in the House. Speaking with CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union," Cheney stated that she finds this lack of accountability unsurprising.
Amid the House GOP's high-stakes speakership battle, her comments arrive in the aftermath of McCarthy's ousting over two weeks ago. On Friday, Rep. Jim Jordan's withdrawal from the race added to the already crowded field of candidates vying for the speakership.
As Republicans strive to resolve the impasse, frustrations and divisions within the conference have escalated. The party's slim majority, coupled with this, has cast doubt on the possibility of any candidate obtaining the necessary 217 votes to win the gavel on the House floor.
Cheney, a notable critic of Trump in Congress, expressed her concern about the resurgence of political violence and threats. She emphasized that these unfortunate occurrences have infiltrated our politics, which is completely unacceptable.
Numerous Republicans, who were against Jordans House speakership bid, reported receiving hostile phone calls, intimidating messages, and even death threats after voting against him.
"Now, such acceptance of violence is utterly unsuitable and perilous within our political realm. Therefore, we require individuals who are earnest and grasp the perils we are encountering globally, as well as from Donald Trump and his supporters," she stated.
According to Cheney, Trump is "the utmost perilous menace we confront" as a nation.
He cannot become the next president, as he will undoubtedly carry out all of the initiatives he previously failed to accomplish due to the intervention of responsible individuals at the Department of Justice and the White House Counsels office. The absence of any safeguards will be cause for concern, which has been duly communicated. Clare Foran from CNN contributed to this report.
