Liz Cheney divides Internet after she claims new Speaker Mike Johnson is a 'dangerous' person to lead the House
WASHINGTON, DC: Former US Republican Representative Liz Cheney has raised concerns about the newly-elected House Speaker, Mike Johnson, describing him as a "dangerous" choice to lead the House.
Cheney made the divisive remarks during her recent appearance on the 'Politics is Everything' podcast, hosted by the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.
Liz Cheney questions Mike Johnson's commitment
Cheney, who previously represented Wyoming and is known for her criticism of former President Donald Trump, expressed her apprehensions about Johnson's commitment to defending the US Constitution.
“Mike is somebody who says that he’s committed to defending the Constitution. But that’s not what he did when we were all tested in the aftermath of the 2020 election,” said Cheney.
She explained that during her tenure as chairwoman of the House Republican Conference from 2019 to 2021, Johnson had attempted to persuade 125 Republicans to support an amicus brief with the US Supreme Court seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia.
According to Cheney, Johnson's actions demonstrated a willingness to set aside court rulings and constitutional requirements in order to gain favor with Trump, which she deemed to be politically expedient but morally questionable.
“He was acting in ways that he knew to be wrong,” she claimed. “And I think that the country unfortunately will come to see the measure of his character."
Liz Cheney rips into "Dangerous" Speaker Mike Johnson:
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) November 2, 2023
"He was willing to set aside what he knew to be the rulings of the courts, the requirements of the Constitution, in order to placate Donald Trump. So it’s a concerning moment to have him be elected speaker of the House." pic.twitter.com/Yd4rJnxTJr
Cheney voiced her concern about his election as Speaker of the House, emphasizing that he is "dangerous" because he, as a Republican, should have known better than to support efforts that sought to undermine the 2020 election results.
It's worth noting that Cheney has been an outspoken critic of Trump and was one of the two Republicans to serve on the House January 6th Committee, which investigated the events surrounding the attack on the Capitol building on January 6, 2021.
In May 2021, House Republicans voted to remove her from her position as chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, making her the highest-ranking Republican congresswoman at the time.
Netizens react to Liz Cheney's statement
Internet users were divided after Cheney's controversial stance. A user tweeted, "Next stop for Mike Johnson: The jail house the place for public scrutiny and accountability with his cell mate, Donald Trump."
While one user mockingly asked, "Do you want some cheese with your whine?" another said, "There's a reason she got voted out."
Next stop for Mike Johnson:
— bobbld.eth (@bobbld_eth) November 2, 2023
The jail house the place for public scrutiny and accountability with his cell mate, Donald Trump.
"Liz? She knows one song. Trump Bad. Next," read a tweet.
"Listen to @Liz_Cheney @RepRaskinTwo people from opposing pary who are honest, not in anyone pocket and extremely well educated, with unbelievable experience," stated a user
Listen to @Liz_Cheney @RepRaskin
— Cece 🤍 L🌺VE (@AolCRAFT) November 3, 2023
Two people from opposing pary who are honest, not in anyone pocket and extremely well educated, with unbelievable experience.