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Liz Cheney says Trump 'risks inciting further violence' and slams GOP, Internet says 'shame she's alone'

In a speech on the House floor, Cheney once again slammed Trump and said 'millions of Americans have been misled by the former President'

In what could be her final act of defiance as Republican House Conference Chair, Liz Cheney has slammed former president Donald Trump once again in a speech on the House floor. During a debate on cancel culture, Cheney decided to change the topic and spent her time talking about freedom and democracy instead.

Her speech has led to a swell of support on social media, with many users tweeting the hashtag #IStandWithLiz to back up the embattled representative. The speech, on May 11, comes just a day prior to a party-wide vote on whether to keep her in her leadership role. Republicans want to remove Cheney for not supporting them, but it seems like she isn't going down without a fight. 

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Ever since the 2020 Presidential Elections concluded, Cheney is one of the only Republicans to publicly denounce Trump's lies that the election was stolen. The GOP though has widely embraced the theory and is now on the warpath to eliminate anyone who disagrees with them. Cheney's vote is the most high-profile case so far and it is clear she has no qualms about splitting with the party.

'Those who refuse to accept are at war with the Constitution'

Cheney's six-minute speech covered a range of topics, from democracy in other nations to the 'big lie'. She began her speech by talking about the lack of democratic freedom in nations like Kenya, Russia, Poland and Cuba. "Our freedom only survives if we protect it (America), if we honor our oath taken before God in this chamber," she said. Cheney then went on to directly address Trump and his lies.

"Today we face a threat America has never seen before. A former President, who provoked a violent attack on this Capitol, has resumed his aggressive effort to convince Americans that the election was stolen from him". Cheney made no attempt to hide her contempt for his lies, saying, "He risks inciting further violence". She also added, "Millions of Americans have been misled by the former President. They have only heard his words, but not the truth." 

She also went on to slam her Republican colleagues for supporting Trump's lies. "The election is over," she said, before adding, "Those who refuse to accept the rulings of our courts are at war with the Constitution. Remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar. I will not participate in that." Cheney's words seemed to leave a mark on her colleagues, who walked out of the room, leaving her to address an empty chamber. Here's the full speech, as posted by the Congresswoman on Twitter:

It could be the beginning of the end of her political career, but for now, it seems like Cheney has the support of a large number of Twitter users. Following her speech, many took to social media to praise the Wyoming Congresswoman for standing up to Trump. 

Cheney's speech 'marked her farewell to the GOP'

One person tweeted, "Who else thinks Liz Cheney should replace weak @GOPLeader McCarthy?" Another said, "Liz Cheney's speech marked her farewell to the House GOP leadership. But it also marked the beginning of an effort to save the Republican Party for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. If that effort results in a 2024 presidential campaign, this speech will have launched it."

California Rep Ted Lieu tweeted, "What’s remarkable about Liz Cheney’s speech is how unremarkable every statement is that she makes. And that more than anything else shows how radical the @GOP and @GOPLeader have become."

"Liz Cheney has a bigger set of balls than every single Republican man in Congress" tweeted one user. Congressman Sean Casten said, "I agree with Liz Cheney on very little, but over this past week she has done something far too rare in political life. She stood up when it mattered. Boehner, Flake, Ryan... none were capable of the leadership she has shown this week."

One user said, "When Liz Cheney speaks, people listen. This woman is honoring her oath of office, unlike the rest of the GQP that has complete disregard for the oath they took to be in Congress. They disregard truth for lies and corruption." Another tweeted, "I disagree with virtually every policy stand @Liz_Cheney has but I respect and appreciate her defense of democracy". Another said: "It's a moment of courage to see her stand by simple truths. It's a national shame that she's alone."

Republicans are yet to publicly respond to Cheney's speech and so is Trump. Since his ban, Trump has been making tweet-like statements on his website but is yet to address Cheney's latest speech. Her defiance proves that she won't just go quietly and is reportedly planning to continue attacking the party's campaign even if she loses her seat in the 2022 mid-terms.