“There Are All Sorts of Purity Tests”: GOP Fundraiser Tied to Liz Cheney Costs Michael Allen His Trump Transition Role
SAUL LOEB/AFP VIA GETTY; BRANDON BELL/GETTY
A 2021 fundraiser co-hosted by longtime Republican Michael Allen for former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) proved to be a significant factor in his removal from Donald Trump’s transition team, according to a recent Politico report.
Allen, who previously served in various national security and legislative roles during the George W. Bush administration, was pushed out of his position as the “sherpa” for CIA director nominee John Ratcliffe. The move stemmed from Allen’s involvement in organizing a fundraiser for Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump, Politico reported.
Before being sidelined, Allen had been coordinating Capitol Hill meetings for Ratcliffe, a Trump loyalist and former Texas congressman. According to sources cited in the report, Allen had already completed most of his work when he was ousted.
Despite his removal, one source emphasized that Allen “did a fine job” and highlighted the increasingly stringent loyalty tests within Trump’s circle. “There are all sorts of purity tests in this new administration, more so than in the first term,” the source noted.
Politico’s report pointed to Allen’s dismissal as part of a broader effort within Trump’s team to purge Republicans who supported high-profile critics like Cheney. Cheney had voted to impeach Trump and served on the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, actions that positioned her as a prominent figure in opposition to Trump’s influence within the GOP.
Despite his abrupt removal, Allen expressed no bitterness. Speaking to Politico on Monday, he said, “I was happy to pitch in. Ratcliffe will make a great CIA director, and I’m looking forward to President Trump’s term.”
Ratcliffe’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled for Wednesday. So far, he has not received public backing from Democratic lawmakers.
Allen, now the managing director of Beacon Global Strategies, remains professionally engaged in advising on global and national security issues. His role in the Cheney fundraiser and its fallout highlights the intense factionalism and loyalty demands shaping Republican politics in the Trump era.
