Liz Cheney issues dire warning about ‘fundamentally cruel’ Trump, agrees he’s a ‘fascist’

Concerns Over Rule of Law and Presidential Immunity

Cheney expressed deep apprehension about Trump’s belief that he would be immune from consequences if re-elected. She referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted Trump immunity from criminal prosecution for certain official actions during his previous term, interpreting this as a dangerous precedent. Cheney warned that Trump’s disregard for judicial rulings could undermine the foundational principle that the United States is a nation governed by laws.

She stressed that courts rely on the executive branch to enforce their decisions, and if a president refuses to comply, it threatens the very fabric of American democracy. Cheney’s concern is that the checks and balances which limited Trump’s actions in the past may not be effective in the future, potentially allowing him to act with impunity.

Characterizing Trump as a Fascist and Highlighting His Cruelty

Cheney did not shy away from endorsing a harsh characterization of Trump made by retired General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who described Trump as “a fascist to the core.” Cheney expressed respect for Milley’s assessment and declined to dispute it, underscoring the severity of her critique.

She also condemned Trump’s behavior during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, labeling his inaction and failure to condemn the violence as “fundamentally cruel.” Cheney drew parallels between this and Trump’s repeated false claims that the Biden administration was withholding aid from hurricane victims, arguing that such deliberate misinformation endangers lives and reveals a callousness unfit for a president.

Warnings About Foreign Policy and Alliances

Cheney cautioned that a second Trump administration would bring instability to U.S. foreign policy. She described Trump’s approach as “erratic and chaotic,” highlighting his affinity for authoritarian leaders and tyrants. This, she argued, contrasts sharply with an internationalist approach that supports democratic allies and upholds global stability.

Specifically, Cheney pointed to Trump’s and his running mate JD Vance’s support for an isolationist foreign policy, which she believes would undermine America’s role on the world stage. She expressed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on international issues, including backing Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, positioning this as a key area of disagreement with Trump’s vision.

Political Realignment and Support for Kamala Harris

Despite previously criticizing Kamala Harris as a “radical liberal,” Cheney has since shifted her stance and actively supports Harris’s candidacy. She explained that her earlier comments reflected policy disagreements but emphasized the importance of uniting against what she sees as the greater threat posed by Trump.

Cheney praised Harris’s dedication to public service and leadership qualities, framing her support as part of a broad coalition committed to preventing what Cheney describes as the chaos and moral degradation that a Trump administration would bring. This political realignment underscores the evolving dynamics within American politics as the 2024 election nears.

Disputing Claims of a Peaceful Transfer of Power in 2020

Cheney challenged statements made by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who asserted that the 2020 presidential transition was peaceful and that the 2024 transfer of power would be as well. Cheney pointed to the January 6 Capitol attack as evidence that the transfer was anything but peaceful, highlighting ongoing threats to democratic norms.

She criticized Johnson for what she described as his willingness to support unconstitutional actions to appease Trump, warning that such behavior endangers the integrity of American democracy. Cheney argued that the Republican Party must not regain a House majority in 2024 if it continues to support efforts to undermine election results and democratic processes.

What this means

Liz Cheney’s stark warnings about Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency highlight deep divisions within American politics and underscore concerns about the future of the nation’s democratic institutions. Her critiques focus on Trump’s disregard for the rule of law, his authoritarian tendencies, and the risks posed by his foreign policy vision. Cheney’s evolving political stance, including her support for Kamala Harris, reflects a broader realignment aimed at countering what she views as a dangerous threat to American democracy. As the 2024 election approaches, these warnings serve as a critical call for voters to carefully consider the implications of their choices for the country’s future stability and governance.