Liz Cheney, the third highest-ranking Republican in the House, according to a source in the chamber, refused to apologize for the vote to accuse former President Donald Trump during the closed-door meeting with her GOP conference.
Cheney was one of ten House Republicans who voted in favor of the article of accusation against Trump for inciting the January 6 uprising at the Capitol, which killed five people.
Cheney, a regular critic of Trump and his rhetoric, said at the time: “There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. I will vote for the president to accuse. “
The move caused anger and riots within the party, prompting some pro-Trump lawmakers to protest Cheney in her home state of Wyoming, calling for her to be stripped of her GOP conference chairmanship and a possible primary challenge.
Anthony Bouchard, senator from the Republic of Wyoming, announced last month that he would challenge Cheney, who is eligible for re-election in 2022. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., A strong Trump ally, also urged supporters of the former president in her house last week to declare her vote.
According to the Associated Press, the emerging GOP leader and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney also faces the prospect of reprimanding the Wyoming GOP party.
Housemate GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, told reporters after the conference meeting that he stood up for Cheney in the meeting.
“People can have differences of opinion, and that’s what we’re discussing. Liz has the right to vote for her conscience. At the end of the day, we will be united,” he said.
The tension between those who support accusations and those who are still loyal to Trump was also illustrated earlier this week when Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, R-Ky., Released a statement defending Cheney.
‘Liz Cheney is a leader with deep convictions and the courage to respond. She is an important leader in our party and in our country. “I am grateful for her service and look forward to working with her on the important issues facing our country,” McConnell said.
