Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump, set Twitter ablaze on Saturday, October 14, 2023, as she aimed her criticism at Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who is currently in the running for the speakership.
In a tweet, Cheney accused Jordan of being complicit in a conspiracy to steal the 2024 election and seize power, unleashing a firestorm of controversy and impassioned responses across social media.
Cheney’s swipe at Jordan elicited a range of reactions from the public. As reported by The Hill on the same day, while some Twitter users rallied behind her, expressing their agreement and support, a substantial number voiced their dissent.
Among those critical of Cheney’s statement was lawyer Rogan O’Handley, who retorted with a pointed question: “Why would anyone take political advice from a RINO who lost by 40+ points?”
The term “RINO,” which stands for “Republican In Name Only,” is often used as a pejorative label for Republicans perceived as straying from conservative values. O’Handley’s comment directly referred to Cheney’s resounding defeat in the 2022 Republican primary in Wyoming, where she faced a substantial 37-point loss.
Cheney’s critique of Jordan also triggered a barrage of negative comments, with some Twitter users bluntly advising her to “Just go home,” while others questioned her relevance, even asking, “Who’s Liz Cheney?” However, amid the criticism, there were Twitter users who interpreted Cheney’s actions as an inadvertent endorsement for Jordan, potentially bolstering his chances in the speakership race.
Liz Cheney has long been a polarizing figure within the Republican Party, and her recent tweet is just one of many instances that have garnered her both ardent support and vehement opposition.
In 2021, Cheney faced censure from her own state’s GOP following her vote in favor of then-President Donald Trump’s impeachment. This move deepened the divide within the Republican Party, with some viewing her as a principled defender of democratic norms and the rule of law, while others labeled her a party traitor and disruptor.
On the other side of the spectrum, Jim Jordan has risen as a prominent figure within the GOP, securing the GOP nomination for the speakership on the same day that Cheney voiced her critical comments.
As a staunch ally of Donald Trump, Jordan has frequently aligned himself with the former president’s policies and positions. While this alignment has endeared him to Trump’s base, it has also made him a polarizing figure in the national political landscape.
Cheney’s critique of Jordan underscores the ongoing rift within the Republican Party between those steadfastly loyal to the legacy of Donald Trump and those who seek to distance themselves from the former president. It also sheds light on the fierce competition for leadership positions within the GOP and the formidable challenge of defining the party’s future direction.