Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney recently articulated grave concerns about the potential implications of a future Trump administration during her appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” Cheney, a notable critic of Trump, emphasized the need for the public to carefully consider the ramifications of a second Trump presidency. She stated that Trump believes he would be above the law and could act without consequence while in office. This sentiment was partly inspired by a Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump immune from criminal prosecution for certain actions taken during his presidency. Cheney warned that if a president can ignore court rulings without repercussions, the nation risks sliding away from the rule of law.
Cheney expressed skepticism about the ability of Trump’s past advisors to rein in his more reckless impulses should he return to leadership, suggesting that those who stopped him last time might not serve again in such a capacity. Additionally, she expressed alignment with retired Gen. Mark Milley, who referred to Trump as “a fascist to the core” in an upcoming book. Cheney echoed this sentiment, indicating her respect for Milley’s assessment, reinforcing her stance that Trump’s leadership poses a profound danger to democratic norms and principles.
Reflecting on the January 6 Capitol riots—an event for which she was a key investigative voice—Cheney described Trump’s behavior that day as “fundamentally cruel.” She criticized his lack of response while the Capitol was under siege and condemned his misleading claims about federal aid during disasters for political gain. She characterized this behavior as disqualifying for a leader who should prioritize the truth and the welfare of citizens over personal ambition, leading her to assert that such cruelty indicates an unfitness for public office.
Furthermore, Cheney cautioned that, if reelected, Trump would pursue a foreign policy characterized by unpredictability and a tendency to embrace authoritarian leaders, a stance she finds alarming. She contrasted this with her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, whom she sees as committed to an internationalist approach, particularly in supporting Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Cheney critiqued both Trump and his political allies, like Senator JD Vance, for their isolationist tendencies, claiming they would further destabilize U.S. foreign policy and weaken international alliances.
During her discussion, Cheney also confronted her previous critical remarks about Harris and Biden, explaining that her past criticisms stemmed from policy disagreements. She emphasized the importance of uniting against Trump and noted that her support for Harris is based on her leadership qualities and dedication to public service. Cheney positioned Harris as someone who could counteract the chaos and moral degradation she associates with Trump’s potential return to power, arguing that her candidacy offers a more stable and principled approach to governance.
Lastly, Cheney responded critically to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s assertion regarding the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 election, citing the January 6 events as evidence that such a transfer was not as tranquil as Johnson claimed. She accused him of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over constitutional integrity, which she believes is not only alarming but also potentially harmful to the integrity of future elections. Cheney’s remarks serve as a clarion call for protecting democratic freedoms and values as the nation navigates a tumultuous political landscape, emphasizing the need for vigilance against the rising tide of authoritarianism embodied by Trump.