Trump: Cheney, "Hawk of War," Must Be Removed
Former President Donald Trump has called for the removal of Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) from her position as vice chair of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th Capitol riot. Trump, in a statement released on his website, labeled Cheney a "warmonger" and a "hawk of war" for her vocal criticism of his actions leading up to and on January 6th.
"Liz Cheney is a warmonger, a hawk of war, and a disgrace to the Republican Party," Trump said. "She is nothing more than a political hack who is obsessed with attacking me, and she is a complete and utter failure as a leader. She must be removed from the January 6th Committee immediately."
Cheney has been a consistent critic of Trump since the January 6th attack, and has been a leading voice calling for accountability for those involved. She has repeatedly stated that Trump's actions were a "direct assault on our democracy," and has been a vocal supporter of the House Select Committee's investigation into the events of that day.
Trump's attack on Cheney comes as the House Select Committee is preparing to hold its first public hearings in June. The committee has been conducting a comprehensive investigation into the January 6th attack, including interviewing hundreds of witnesses and obtaining thousands of documents.
The Political Implications
Trump's call for Cheney's removal is seen as a continuation of his efforts to discredit the January 6th investigation and to maintain control over the Republican Party. While Cheney has been censured by the Wyoming Republican Party and is facing a primary challenge, she remains a popular figure among anti-Trump Republicans.
Her removal from the committee would be a significant victory for Trump and his allies, as it would give them more control over the investigation and potentially allow them to shape the narrative surrounding the events of January 6th.
Cheney's Response
Cheney has not yet responded publicly to Trump's statement. However, her previous statements have shown that she is undeterred by Trump's attacks and that she is committed to holding him accountable for his actions.
"I will not be silenced," Cheney said in a previous statement. "I will not back down from my duty, and I will not allow President Trump to succeed in his efforts to undermine our democracy."
Moving Forward
The coming weeks will likely see further escalation of the political conflict surrounding the January 6th investigation. Trump's call for Cheney's removal is a clear signal that he intends to use the investigation as a weapon to further his political goals. It remains to be seen how Cheney will respond to Trump's latest attack, and whether she will be able to maintain her position on the House Select Committee.