Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, a vocal Donald Trump critic and the third-ranking house member of the Republican party, has been ousted form her leadership role following her continuing feud with the former President.
Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, was voted out of her leadership position in a closed-door meeting with GOP lawmakers in an unprecedented step that made clear of reprimands for those who criticize former President Donald Trump, the Associated Press reported. The meeting reportedly lasted lasted than 20 minutes and was conducted by voice vote.
The vote came after Cheney has repeatedly feuded with the former President numerous times in recent months for his role in the January 6 Capitol Hill riots, with some suggesting that her recent criticism were for a potential Presidential bid in 2024. She had previously voted to impeach the former president on charges of sedition shortly after the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
She reportedly told house members before the vote, according to NBC, that the party “cannot let the former president rag us backward and make us complicit in his efforts to unravel our democracy.”
Shortly after the vote, Cheney spoke to the media, stating that the nation needs a “Strong republican party” that is based on the principles and fundamentals of conservatism, palling to “lead the fight to do that.” She also said that she would “do everything that [she could] ensure” to prevent Trump from retaking the White house in 2024, should he choose to do so.
Trump also released a statement on the ouster of Cheney via his Save America PAC email newsletter, adding that the congresswoman was a “bitter, horrible human being” and calling her a “Warmonger.” He also added that he looked forward to seeing her “as a paid contributor on CNN or MSDNC!”
With Cheney gone, Republican house leaders are searching for a new third-ranking leader, with New York representative Elise Stefanik was the frontrunner who may fill in the gap left by Cheney, according to the New York Post.
In an effort to stir support, Stefanik released a letter on her Twitter feed that explained why she was running for the Conference Chair position and how she would lead the party.
“Despite the media’s endless attempts to divide us, our members are united in our laser laser focus on defeating the radical Socialist Democrat agenda of president Biden and speaker Pelosi.” The letter read in part, adding that the party has a “historic opportunity” to win the chamber in 2022.
“I look forward to working with you as we share our unified conservative vision, regain the Majority, fire Speaker Pelosi once and for all, and fight on behalf of the American People to save our country.” The letter concluded.
The vote for a new Conference Chair is expected soon, with a new person taking the position as soon as the end of the week.
Discussion about this post