Former U.S. Congresswoman Liz Cheney stated on Friday that Donald Trump’s violent remarks suggesting she should face a firing squad for her foreign policy views demonstrate that he cannot be trusted with the presidency and would seek to target his adversaries while in office.
Trump, who is running against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election, referred to Cheney as “a very dumb individual” and a “war hawk,” highlighting her refusal to support his third presidential campaign, along with her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney.
During a campaign event in Arizona with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump remarked, “She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s imagine her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels pointed at her. Let’s see how she feels about it when the guns are trained on her face.” He has previously pledged to investigate or prosecute political opponents like Cheney, as well as election officials, journalists, and left-wing Americans. Trump has also mentioned that military force could be utilized against what he labels “radical left lunatics” if Election Day unrest occurs.
As one of the prominent Republicans to oppose Trump, Cheney has endorsed Harris in the upcoming November 5 election, claiming she put the country above party loyalty and labeling Trump a “danger.” In her response on X, Cheney condemned Trump’s threats, saying, “This is how dictators destroy free nations. They threaten those who speak against them with death. We cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant,” and she added the hashtag “#Womenwillnotbesilenced.”
Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cheney, once a leading figure in the Republican Party in the House of Representatives, lost her seat after voting for Trump’s second impeachment due to his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and for her work on the subsequent investigation. She has been campaigning alongside Harris, who needs support from Republicans and independents, especially in seven crucial swing states, to secure a victory.
While Democrats largely criticized Dick Cheney for his strong support of the Iraq War during George W. Bush’s presidency, they have shown him warmth during a congressional tribute held a year after the January 6 attack. Bush has decided not to endorse any candidate in the current race.
