Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney made a resolute call for the disqualification of former President Donald Trump from future office, citing his involvement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. In a bold and forthright interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” as reported by HuffPost on Monday, January 8, 2024, Cheney emphasized her stance just a week ahead of the Iowa caucuses, a pivotal moment for Republicans in the presidential candidate selection process.
Cheney, a prominent member of the House Select Committee investigating the events of January 6, referenced a recent decision by a Colorado state court to exclude Trump from its primary ballot this year. This case is expected to reach the Supreme Court in the coming month, with Cheney underlining her belief in the gravity of Trump’s actions.
Highlighting the Select Committee’s work, Cheney pointed out, “We made a criminal referral regarding the 14th amendment, focusing on providing aid and comfort to an insurrection.” She added, “I firmly believe that Donald Trump’s actions reached that level, and he should be disqualified from holding future office. The matter is currently in the judicial process.”
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling was based on the 14th Amendment, specifically its clause preventing individuals from holding state or federal office if involved in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution. A similar conclusion was reached by Maine’s secretary of state last month, emphasizing the broader implications of Trump’s potential disqualification.
However, Cheney did not restrict her criticism solely to Trump. She expressed disappointment with another prominent GOP nominee contender, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Cheney specifically mentioned DeSantis’ proposals to review and potentially pardon individuals implicated in the January 6 Capitol attack. “Someone advocating pardoning individuals who assaulted the Capitol, tried to halt a constitutional process, and assaulted law enforcement officers – it was a violent confrontation,” Cheney remarked.
“The idea that the Republican Party would persist in attempting to gloss over that day, a day crucial to the peaceful transition of power fundamental to our republic’s survival, indicates their unsuitability for office.”
Cheney’s resolute stance might echo within the GOP, compelling party members to confront the consequences of supporting candidates linked to the January 6 events.
When pressed further by host Margaret Brennan, Cheney highlighted the ongoing backing for Trump within the party despite numerous indictments and impending trials. “You’ve had two members of Republican leadership on television this morning,” Cheney responded. “They claim the individual right to discard millions of votes and disregard court rulings.”
Concluding her critique of fellow Republicans, Cheney asserted, “You don’t have to take my word for the fact that these elected Republicans cannot be relied upon to defend the Constitution. Every time they speak in an interview, they demonstrate it themselves.”
