President Donald Trump didn’t hold back his criticism of former Republican Representative Liz Cheney on Monday, following news of her last-minute pardon by former President Joe Biden. Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump and a prominent figure in the investigation into the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been a polarizing figure in Republican politics.
During a signing ceremony for several executive orders in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about Cheney’s pardon and didn’t hesitate to express his disapproval. “Liz Cheney represents everything wrong with the Republican establishment,” Trump stated, adding that the pardon was “just another example of Biden’s corrupt, partisan tactics to protect his political allies.”
The pardon, which Biden granted as one of his final acts in office, has sparked significant controversy. While details surrounding the pardon remain unclear, Cheney has been a contentious figure since she served as Vice Chair of the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol riots. Her outspoken criticism of Trump and her role in the investigation alienated her from many in her party, ultimately leading to her loss in the 2022 Wyoming primary.
Trump, who issued approximately 1,500 pardons and commuted 14 sentences during his time in office, was quick to contrast his approach with Biden’s. Many of Trump’s pardons were tied to individuals involved in the January 6 events, a decision that drew sharp criticism from his opponents. However, Trump defended his actions as “correcting injustices” and “standing up for people who were treated unfairly by a biased system.”
Reporters pressed Trump on whether his criticism of Cheney was personal or purely political. Trump doubled down, describing her as “a disloyal party member who cared more about scoring points with Democrats than representing her constituents.” He further criticized her involvement in the Capitol riot investigation, saying it was “a witch hunt designed to destroy me and my supporters.”
Liz Cheney, for her part, has not publicly commented on Trump’s remarks or the pardon she received. However, she has consistently defended her stance on January 6, framing her actions as a moral obligation to defend democracy, even at great personal and political cost.
The situation underscores the enduring divisions within the Republican Party. Trump’s firm grip on the GOP base has left little room for dissenters like Cheney, who have faced significant backlash for challenging the former president. Meanwhile, Biden’s decision to pardon Cheney is likely to fuel partisan tensions, with Republicans viewing it as an affront and Democrats praising it as a move toward accountability and justice.
As Trump embarks on his second term, it’s clear that his combative style and willingness to take on critics remain unchanged. The controversy surrounding Cheney’s pardon is only the latest chapter in a political saga that continues to captivate and polarize the nation.