Liz Cheney cautions that Trump may refuse to step down if reelected
Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney Warns of the Dangers of a Second Trump Term
In a powerful op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, former Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican and vocal critic of Donald Trump, issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency in 2024. Cheney expressed deep concern that the checks and balances put in place to safeguard our government structure would fail to rein in Trump if he were to be elected again.
“The framers explicitly warned us that the checks and balances are only as effective as the people responsible for carrying them out,”
Cheney wrote. She emphasized that dismissing the risks of a second Trump term would be a grave disservice to our country.
Cheney went on to outline her belief that many Republicans in Congress would not act as a check on Trump, leaving the burden on the courts to keep him in line. However, she also stressed that the power of the courts is limited.
“The rulings of our courts have force only because the chief executive respects, obeys and enforces them,”
Cheney explained. She expressed concern that Trump, in a second term, would continue to demonize judges and refuse to comply with or enforce judicial rulings he disagrees with, leading to the unraveling of our system of checks on presidential power.
Highlighting the January 6 Capitol riot and Trump’s legal challenges to the 2020 election, Cheney argued that Trump’s character and behavior make it unlikely that he would voluntarily leave office after a second term.
“Have we forgotten how a depraved Donald Trump sat and watched the violent mob attack our Capitol and refused for multiple hours to instruct them to stand down and disperse? He showed us his character on Jan. 6. He is the same exceptionally dangerous and flawed man today. And if Mr. Trump fears he might face future prosecution, you can bet he won’t voluntarily leave office,”
Cheney asserted.
Cheney concluded her op-ed by emphasizing the irreversible damage that could be done to our constitutional system if it unravels, warning that our republic would fail as many others have throughout history. She stressed the importance of recognizing this risk and not electing Trump again.
“Our nation can endure bad policies for four or eight years,”
Cheney stated. “But once our constitutional system unravels, the damage is irreversible, and our republic fails just as so many others have throughout history. The framers understood this. We should too. The risk is far too great to elect Mr. Trump ever again.”
It is worth noting that Cheney lost her House seat in 2022 after being defeated by GOP challenger Harriet Hageman by a significant margin in the Republican primary.
How do conspiracy theories propagated by Trump and his allies undermine trust in institutions and pose a threat to the stability of our democracy?
Tential unpopularity of the courts could limit their ability to effectively constrain a second Trump presidency.
Furthermore, Cheney highlighted the growing influence of conspiracy theories within the Republican Party, particularly those propagated by Trump and his allies. She argued that these dangerous narratives undermine trust in institutions and fuel divisiveness, ultimately posing a threat to the stability and functioning of our democracy.
Cheney urged her fellow Republicans to reject Trump’s false claims of election fraud and instead focus on the real dangers facing our nation. She emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of integrity, honesty, and respect for the rule of law, even in the face of political pressure.
She also pointed out the damage caused by Trump’s disregard for the truth and his incessant attacks on the media. Cheney warned that without a leader who demonstrates a commitment to facts and accountability, the spread of disinformation and the erosion of public trust in the media will continue to escalate.
As a long-standing member of the Republican Party, Cheney’s warning carries significant weight. Her willingness to speak out against Trump, despite facing backlash from within her own party, demonstrates her conviction and determination to protect the nation’s democratic institutions.
Cheney concluded her op-ed by urging her fellow Republicans to critically evaluate the choices before them and consider the potential consequences of turning a blind eye to the dangers posed by a second Trump term. She implored them to prioritize the long-term health and stability of our democracy over short-term political gains.
In her words, “History is watching. Our children are watching. We must be brave enough to defend the basic principles that underpin our nation. We must be willing to put country before party.”
Cheney’s warning serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of leadership and accountability in politics. It raises crucial questions about the future direction of the Republican Party and the role it will play in safeguarding democracy.
As the country prepares for the 2024 presidential election, Cheney’s message resonates beyond party lines. It serves as a call to all Americans to prioritize the values and principles that have defined our nation, and to resist the temptation to sacrifice them for short-term political gains.
In these uncertain times, Cheney’s warning reminds us of the power of individual voices and the responsibility we all share in protecting our democracy from threats, both foreign and domestic. Only through a collective commitment to truth, integrity, and the principles enshrined in our Constitution can we ensure a brighter and more stable future for our great nation.
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