Former Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) strongly criticized former President Trump for his recent remarks, which included labeling her a “war hawk” and using language resembling a death threat. Cheney likened Trump’s rhetoric to that of authoritarian leaders, stating it reflects how dictators undermine free nations by threatening dissenters with violence.
Cheney further expressed that it would be unsafe to entrust the nation and its freedom to an individual she described as petty, vindictive, and unfit for leadership, suggesting that Trump harbors authoritarian ambitions.
Trump took shots at Cheney
Her response followed Trump’s comments from the previous day, where he disparaged her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, for supporting Vice President Kamala Harris during a public discussion with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in Arizona. Trump remarked that he understood the former vice president’s loyalty to his daughter, but also characterized Liz Cheney as “very dumb” and reiterated his stance, calling her a “radical war hawk.” He further suggested, in hyperbolic language, that Cheney should consider facing a gun herself, to understand his perspective on her stance.
Cheney, previously the third-ranking House Republican, announced in early September that she would support Harris, subsequently joining her on the campaign trail to appeal to conservatives who feel alienated by the GOP under Trump’s influence.
Liz Cheney supporting Kamala Harris
Trump has repeatedly criticized Cheney, who was a member of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and voted to impeach him. In 2022, he endorsed her opponent, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), who ultimately defeated Cheney by a significant margin.
Last week, during a campaign event in Michigan, Trump continued his criticism by referencing Cheney’s father’s role in the Iraq invasion, suggesting it was an attempt to distance Arab American and Muslim voters from Harris. He argued that Vice President Harris was aligning with someone, referring to Cheney, who he claimed harbored anti-Muslim sentiment and sought conflict in the Middle East.