Commenting on the ongoing debate about Trump’s eligibility for the ballot, former GOP Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming firmly insisted that he “ought to be disqualified.”
Iowa Caucus Countdown
In her recent “Face the Nation” appearance, former Republican Representative Liz Cheney didn’t hold back in her critique of leading GOP presidential candidates. Her comments came as Iowa Republicans prepare for their upcoming caucuses, marking the start of their presidential candidate selection.
Potential Removal from State Ballots
Cheney suggested President Trump’s role in the January 6 events might lead to his removal from state ballots and openly questioned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s fitness for the presidency.
The 14th Amendment Debate
During her tenure on the House Select Committee for the January 6 investigation, Cheney pointed out their criminal referral under the 14th Amendment’s provision against supporting insurrections.
“If you look at the Select Committee’s work, we made a criminal referral with respect to the part of the 14th amendment that talks about providing aid and comfort to an insurrection,” she said.
“He ought to be disqualified”
Cheney is convinced that Donald Trump’s conduct qualifies, and argues he should be barred from future office-holding. “I certainly believe that Donald Trump’s behavior rose to that level, I believe that he ought to be disqualified from holding office in the future. It’s working its way through the courts,” she added.
Court Decides Trump’s Fate
According to the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision, Trump falls under the 14th Amendment’s exclusion for those who pledged to support the Constitution but then participated in insurrection or rebellion.
This echoes a similar decision by Maine’s secretary of state.
Cheney Calls Out DeSantis
Cheney also expressed disappointment with GOP nominee frontrunner, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for his suggestions to review and possibly pardon January 6 defendants.
DeSantis and Jan 6
Cheney went on, “Someone who says that they would pardon individuals who assaulted the Capitol, who attempted to stop a constitutional process, who assaulted police officers — I mean, it was a bloody battle. I had police officers, one tell me that it was like medieval hand-to-hand combat.”
Downplaying Jan 6 Threatens GOP?
Cheney contends that the Republican Party’s ongoing attempts to downplay the events of that day, especially when the peaceful transition of power is fundamental to the republic’s “survival, ” is a clear indication of their unfitness for office.
Legal Storm Surrounding Trump
When host Margaret Brennan questioned the support of other Republican leaders for Trump amid multiple indictments and looming trials, Cheney pointed out recent TV appearances of GOP House members.
Throwing Out Votes
Cheney condemned Mike Johnson for claiming the personal authority “to decide that he’s going to throw out millions of votes and ignore the rulings of the courts.”
She pointed out, “You’ve had Elise Stefanik on this morning talking about the J-6 hostages.”
Actions Define Elected Republicans
Cheney further asserted, “I mean, you don’t have to take my word for the fact that you can’t count on these elected Republicans to defend the Constitution. Every time they go out and give an interview, they demonstrate it themselves.”
Trump’s Four Federal Charges
Trump faces four federal charges linked to the alleged attempt to reverse the election outcome. He maintains innocence, arguing that the indictment should be invalidated as it originated from his actions as President.
Immunity in Question
The issue at hand, which a federal appeals court is considering, is whether to affirm a district court’s decision that Trump does not have immunity from federal prosecution for alleged offenses committed while in office.
Court Likely to Reject Immunity Claim?
“There’s no basis for an assertion that the president United States is completely immune from criminal prosecution for acts in office,” Cheney stated
“I suspect that’s what the court will hold.”
More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
