House Republicans voted Wednesday morning to remove Rep. Liz Cheney, Wyoming’s lone member of the chamber and an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, from her leadership position.
“I will do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office,” she told reporters after the vote. “We have seen the danger that he continues to provoke with his language, we’ve seen his lack of commitment and dedication to the Constitution, and I think it’s very important that we make sure whomever we elect is somebody who will be faithful to the Constitution.”
Cheney told reporters that Wednesday’s vote showed where the Republicans are as a party right now. She said it was impossible to embrace the lie that the 2020 election was rigged and the Constitution at the same time.
“I think that the party is in a place that we have got to bring it back from, and we’ve got to get back to a position where we are a party that can fight for conservative principles, that can fight for substance,” she said. “We cannot be dragged backward by the very dangerous lies of a former president.”
People are also reading…
Following her ouster from her top leadership post in the House, Rep. Liz Cheney says her job now is to never let former President Donald Trump back in the Oval Office.
CNN reported Cheney was ousted by voice vote after a meeting that lasted 20 minutes.
“I don’t think it’s any surprise,” said state Rep. Landon Brown. “It’s not the Republican Party anymore, it’s Trump’s party.”
Continued dispute
This is the second time Cheney’s colleagues have attempted to unseat Cheney as GOP conference chair, the No. 3 Republican leadership position in the House. The last vote occurred on Feb. 3, and Cheney comfortably survived by a vote of 145-61.
Cheney was one of only 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach Trump, charging that he played a role in the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, and she has continually hit back against Trump’s repeated false claims about election fraud. She did not back down, even as Republican leadership turned against her in recent days.
“Our duty is clear,” she said Tuesday night from the House floor. “Every one of us who has sworn the oath must act to prevent the unraveling of our democracy. This is not about policy. This is not about partisanship. This is about our duty as Americans. Remaining silent, and ignoring the lie, emboldens the liar.”
“I will not participate in that,” she continued. “I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law and joins the former president’s crusade to undermine our democracy.”
House minority leader and close Trump ally Kevin McCarthy, who has endorsed Cheney’s ouster, recently said that the effort to unseat her is not tied to her vote to impeach the president in January, but rather her inability to communicate the desired message of the Republican party.
“No, there’s no concern on how she voted on impeachment,” McCarthy said on Fox & Friends prior to the vote. “I have heard from members concerned about her ability to carry out the job as conference chair, to carry out the message.”
Trump clearly relished the ouster of one of his most prominent critics, calling her a “bitter, horrible human being” in a statement released shortly after the vote.
“She has no personality or anything good having to do with politics or our Country,” Trump said in the statement. “She is a talking point for Democrats, whether that means the Border, the gas lines, inflation, or destroying our economy. She is a warmonger whose family stupidly pushed us into the never-ending Middle East Disaster, draining our wealth and depleting our Great Military, the worst decision in our Country’s history.”Republican leadership has been focused on unifying and communicating a coherent message since the election, but Cheney has been reluctant to go along with leadership. After a House GOP retreat aimed at unifying the party and crafting a message, Cheney and McCarthy were reportedly at odds over Trump’s unfounded claims that the election was stolen.
Next in line
New York Rep. Elise Stefanik is expected to replace Cheney as conference chair. Trump, McCarthy and Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, all endorsed Stefanik for the position.
When Congress reconvened the night following the insurrection that resulted in multiple deaths, Stefanik gave a floor speech that once again alleged that there was widespread voter fraud in Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan — accusations that lack evidence.Cheney and Stefanik were previously allies. In 2019, Stefanik told Cheney, “I was very proud to nominate you to serve as our conference chair.” Stefanik’s political action committee also donated a total of $10,000 to Cheney’s 2020 reelection campaign, according to campaign finance filings.
Cheney had been seen as a rising star in the party before her rift with Trump. She became the highest-ranking Republican woman in House history two years into her congressional career.
“We need somebody who is articulate and well-respected; she’s both, and she’s a fighter,” Rep. Barry Loudermilk told Politico in 2018.
In-state battle
Several Republicans are challenging Cheney in the 2022 primary, and the state GOP censured her earlier this year. A number of her primary challengers are building a campaign on the opposition to Cheney while appealing to Trump’s base in the state.
“Even after being ousted from leadership, Liz Cheney’s rage keeps building for Donald J. Trump. Such hatred makes for self destruction. No one should hate this much, it makes one unfit for office,” said state Sen. Anthony Bouchard, one of her most prominent primary challengers.
But building a campaign on opposition to Cheney may present its difficulties.
“The people that are running against her have to keep that message up for 18 months, and it’s going to become that song on the radio that no one wants to hear anymore,” Brown said. “It might end up hurting them more than it will help them.”
The Wyoming Democratic Party, meanwhile, quickly released a statement Wednesday saying Republicans will regret their decision to toss Cheney from leadership.
“The vote held today is further confirmation that Republicans are more focused on defending a failed president and his lies than doing the work of the American people,” Wyoming Democratic Party Chair Joe Barbuto said. “In Wyoming and across the nation, the GOP is willfully choosing to build their party on a foundation of misinformation and falsehoods. It’s a decision they will come to regret and voters will remember for many election cycles to come.”
Photos: Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney
Capitol Riot Investigation

Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., gives her opening remarks as Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., left, and Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., look on.
Capitol Riot Anniversary Cheney

Former Vice President Dick Cheney walks with his daughter Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., vice chair of the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, in the Capitol Rotunda at the Capitol on Jan. 7 in Washington. Cheney continues to criticize former President Donald Trump for helping to incite the riot.
Capitol Riot Anniversary Cheney

Former Vice President Dick Cheney walks with his daughter Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., vice chair of the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, Thursday at the Capitol in Washington.
Liz Cheney

Rep. Liz Cheney sits for a May 25 interview with the Star-Tribune at the newspaper's former office in Casper.
Liz Cheney

Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney sits down for an interview with the Star-Tribune on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 in Casper.
Congress Divided Republicans

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks to reporters on April 20 following a GOP meeting at the Capitol in Washington.
House Republicans

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., accompanied by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy R-Calif., and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks on a news conference at the 2019 House Republican Conference Member Retreat in Baltimore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Congress Immigration

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., heads to the House floor for a vote on Capitol Hill on June 27, 2019, in Washington. Cheney came out in strong opposition of President Joe Biden's plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11.
Trump Impeachment

Rep. Liz Cheney speaks during a news conference concerning President Donald Trump's first impeachment on Dec. 3, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Trump

Rep. Liz Cheney,center, speaks with President Donald Trump during a bill signing ceremony for the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 25, 2019, in Washington.
Trump Impeachment

House Republican Conference chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks during an Oct. 31, 2019, news conference with other Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Cheney

In this Sept. 10, 2019, photo, House Republican Conference chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., pauses as she and the GOP leadership speak to reporters following a meeting at the Capitol in Washington. Cheney said that party politics should not have played a role in choosing whether to impeach President Donald Trump.
Republicans Omar

House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., does a tv news interview just outside the House chamber to discuss her reason for voting against the Democratic resolution condemning anti-Semitism that was sparked by controversial remarks from freshman Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, March 8, 2019. Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican, called the resolution "a sham" by Democrats to avoid condemning Rep. Ilhan Omar directly for her comments. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Rep. Liz Cheney

Rep. Liz Cheney waves during a 2018 ceremony to pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Some pundits have speculated that Cheney might mount a 2024 presidential run.
Cheney

House Republican Conference chair Rep. Liz Cheney talks to reporters during a 2019 news conference at the Capitol in Washington.
Rep. Liz Cheney

House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., joined by Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks to reporters following a GOP meeting at the Capitol in Washington onSept. 10, 2019.
Trump Impeachment

Rep. Liz Cheney speaks as the House of Representatives debate the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump at the Capitol on Wednesday in Washington.
Liz Cheney

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and Scott Turner, executive director of the White House Opportunity Zone Revitalization Council, participate in a meeting Thursday morning in Casper.
Sonny Perdue visit

Gov. Mark Gordon and Rep. Liz Cheney chat during a breakfast discussion Wednesday in Wright. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue also attended.
Liz Cheney

Rep. Liz Cheney arrives for a news conference along with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, left, and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana in January in Washington. Cheney has raised just over $321,000 in the first quarter of this year.
Cheney

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney takes her seat Jan. 7 in Saint Mark's Episcopal Church for a prayer service prior to the official inauguration of Gov. Mark Gordon.
Wreaths

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney speaks during the Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 15 at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.
Trump, Cheney, Zinke and Barrasso

President Donald Trump gives his pen to Rep. Liz Cheney after signing a bill related to the Bureau of Land Management in March at the White House. Sen. John Barrasso stands to Cheney's right and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke stands behind Trump. A new survey found that while Wyoming voters remain supportive of Trump in general, many disagree with specific policies supported by him and Zinke.
Liz Cheney

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, seen speaking in Philadelphia in January.
Liz Cheney

Rep. Liz Cheney address the audience Wednesday during the Casper Chamber of Commerce State of the Nation Lunch at the Casper Events Center.
Liz Cheney and Donald Trump

President Donald Trump gives his pen to Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., after signing one of various bills at the White House in March. Cheney has thrown her support behind two immigration bills that are in line with Trump’s policies.
Liz Cheney

U.S. Rep Liz Cheney speaks with Casper Star-Tribune reporters on Jan. 18 in Casper.
Liz Cheney Visit

U.S. Rep Liz Cheney meets with members of the Casper Star-Tribune reporting and editorial staff on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, in Casper.
Cheney Swearing In

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and her family pose for a photo with House Speaker Paul Ryan during her swearing-in ceremony Tuesday in Washington.
Election Night 2016

Liz Cheney hugs a supporter as she enters the Natrona County GOP election night party on Tuesday evening at the Black Gold Grille in Casper.
House Debate

U.S. House candidates Republican Liz Cheney and Democrat Ryan Greene listen to a moderator during the U.S. House debate on Oct. 20 at Casper College.
House Debate

Candidates for U.S. House from left, Republican Liz Cheney, Democrat Ryan Greene, Libertarian Lawrence Struempf and the Constitution Party’s Daniel Cummings listen to a question from a panelist Thursday during a U.S. House debate at Casper College.
Dick Cheney, Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney walks off the stage with her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, after they addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), in 2010.
Republican U.S. House Debate

Republican U.S. House candidate Liz Cheney listens to debate moderator and former Gov. Jim Geringer on Aug. 2 at Casper College, in the Wheeler Concert Hall. She sailed to victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
Republican U.S. House Debate

Liz Cheney speaks during a debate Tuesday evening along with fellow Republican candidates for U.S. House Darin Smith, Leland Christensen and Tim Stubson at Casper College. Nine candidates seeking Wyoming’s only U.S. House seat participated in a series of debates Tuesday.
Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney speaks with the Star-Tribune last month in Casper. Cheney is running for U.S. House.
Liz and Dick Cheney

Liz Cheney and her father, former vice president Dick Cheney, attend the Wyoming high school girls soccer state championships on May 30, 2015, in Jackson.
Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney speaks during a Natrona County Republican Women meeting April 21 at the Casper Municipal Golf Course. She will run for Wyoming’s lone U.S. House seat.
Republican Split

U.S. Senate candidate Liz Cheney, far right, talks to supporters as her opponent, incumbent Sen. Mike Enzi, left, also makes the rounds during a tea party rally Aug. 24. 2013, in Emblem.
Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney speaks during a campaign appearance in Casper, Wyoming, Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Cheney, the elder daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, announced on Tuesday her GOP primary challenge to Wyoming's senior U.S. incumbent Sen. Mike Enzi. (AP Photo/Matt Young)
Dick Cheney, Liz Cheney

Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, U.S. House Rep. Liz Cheney, share a foreign policy vision that advocates the use of American military power to promote the country’s interests.
Cheney Senate Announcement

Liz Cheney talks with Wyoming Rep. Tom Reeder, right, on May 23 at the Parkway Plaza in Casper. Cheney announced Tuesday that she will run for U.S. Senate in 2014, seeking the seat currently held by Sen. Mike Enzi.
Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney talks with other guests before the start of the annual Wyoming Retail Association meeting on May 23, 2013, at the Parkway Plaza in Casper. A California-based PAC has mounted a petition drive to try to convince Cheney to seek the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Mike Enzi.
Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney speaks to a reporter before her appearance at a Natrona County Republican Party fundraiser on Aug. 16, 2012 at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper.
Capitol Riot Investigation

Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., listens as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol holds a hearing at the Capitol on Tuesday in Washington. Cheney says former President Donald Trump recently attempted to contact a witness in the investigation.