Liz Cheney
What sets Liz Cheney apart from many of her former Republican colleagues in Congress is her conception of what it means to be a conservative. She was and remains committed to a set of hallowed principles. Conservatism to her is more than membership in a political party or loyalty to its leader. It means putting truth, rule of law, the Constitution, and the peaceful transfer of power above party loyalty.
After President Donald Trump sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election and prevent the peaceful transfer of presidential power, Cheney expressed that conviction succinctly: “The most conservative of conservative principles is fidelity to the Constitution.” She knew that holding Trump accountable would likely end her career in Republican politics, but she did what her conscience dictated and accepted the consequences.
Bright, articulate, and politically skilled, she rose through the ranks with remarkable speed. Just two years after entering the House in 2017, she became chair of the House Republican Conference - the third-ranking Republican in the chamber and, at the time, the highest-ranking Republican woman in House history.
Cheney’s opposition with President Trump in the first term wasn’t so much based on his policies. She did not break with Trump over taxes, regulation, national defense, or the issues that ordinarily divide politicians. She broke with him over something she regarded as more fundamental - his conduct following the 2020 election and his disregard for constitutional constraints.
As Biden’s inauguration approached, Cheney urged Trump to respect court rulings and guarantee the peaceful transfer of power. After the January 6 attack on the Capitol, she became one of only ten House Republicans to vote for his impeachment.
She then served as vice chair of the January 6 Committee, helping lead its investigation into the effort to overturn the election. Her Republican colleagues responded by removing her from leadership. She received death threats, but refused to retreat. Facing a primary challenge in Wyoming in 2022, Cheney did not soften her position to preserve her seat. She lost overwhelmingly.
That same year, Cheney received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, recognizing her willingness to defend constitutional principles despite threats and severe political consequences.
To her fellow Republicans in Congress:
“There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 4, 2023