national security lawyer has offered a striking piece of advice to Liz Cheney as Donald Trump gears up for a potential second term in the White House. In a recent interview, Mark Zaid, a well-known attorney specializing in national security law, suggested that Cheney and others who have openly opposed Trump may want to consider leaving the country around the time of his inauguration, citing the possibility of political retribution.
Zaid, who has advised individuals at risk of being targeted by Trump’s legal and political retribution, stated, “You should take a vacation outside of the country around the time of inauguration, just to see what happens.” He added that those who have fallen out of favor with Trump, especially former allies like Cheney, could face increased scrutiny or even legal action under a second Trump administration.
Why Liz Cheney Could Be a Target
Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming congresswoman, has become one of Trump’s most vocal critics within the Republican Party. Her role in leading the January 6th House Select Committee investigation into Trump’s actions during the Capitol riot placed her directly at odds with the former president. Cheney not only failed to support Trump but also publicly denounced his actions and decisions, especially in relation to the 2020 election and its aftermath.
Trump’s disdain for Cheney is well-documented, and she has been one of the Republican figures most prominently mentioned as a potential target for retribution. Zaid’s warning highlights the growing concern that Trump’s desire for revenge could extend to those who have crossed him, especially in positions where they could face legal consequences.
Could Other High-Profile Figures Be in Danger?
Zaid pointed out that Cheney is not the only individual at risk in a potential Trump administration. Figures such as former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper are also on Trump’s radar. Zaid explained that if Trump’s allies take key positions in the government, it could make it much easier to pursue charges against those who have been critical of him.
For instance, Zaid referenced the possibility of a new CIA director like Kash Patel, a staunch Trump ally, using legal authority to target high-profile opponents. In this scenario, even minor infractions could lead to charges under laws such as the Espionage Act, raising the stakes for anyone Trump deems an enemy.
Trump’s Strategy: Revenge and Retribution
Trump’s rhetoric throughout his political career has often centered around the idea of retribution against his perceived enemies. As he prepares for another term, many fear he will use his office to exact political revenge, especially against those who have publicly defied him. The selection of figures like Matt Gaetz for positions of power has led some to believe that Trump’s retribution campaign will not soften.
This could lead to a situation where individuals like Cheney, who have left office or who are outside of the protective umbrella of the presidency, become prime targets. With the right people in key positions, Trump may find it easier to pursue legal action against these figures, using the full weight of the Justice Department and intelligence agencies at his disposal.
Legal and Political Ramifications
While Zaid’s warning raises concerns, it’s important to note that Trump will still need to navigate the limits of presidential power. The immunity granted to him earlier this year by the Supreme Court for actions taken while in office could protect him to some extent. However, Trump’s ability to extend this immunity to others remains uncertain, especially for individuals outside of his inner circle.
Regardless of the legal challenges, Trump’s long history of defying political norms and the rule of law suggests that he may not be overly concerned about potential consequences. His past behavior indicates that he could continue pushing the boundaries of executive power, including using legal mechanisms to target those he believes have wronged him.
A Time for Caution
As the possibility of a Trump second term becomes more likely, some of his former allies and critics alike may want to heed the advice of Mark Zaid. For individuals like Liz Cheney, who have become central figures in the fight against Trump’s political dominance, it may be time to lay low or even leave the country temporarily to avoid being caught in the crosshairs of his retribution campaign.
In the end, whether or not this advice proves to be necessary remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes for those who have defied Trump’s agenda are higher than ever. With a potential second term on the horizon, Trump’s enemies, both within and outside the Republican Party, could find themselves facing an uncertain and dangerous future.
