Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) issued a forceful response to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threat that he would jail members of the House committee responsible for investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Cheney described Trump’s remarks as “an assault on the rule of law” and warned of the grave implications of such rhetoric on the nation’s democratic institutions.
“Here is the truth: Donald Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election and seize power,” Cheney said in a statement provided to The Hill. “He mobilized an angry mob and sent them to the United States Capitol, where they attacked police officers, invaded the building, and halted the official counting of electoral votes.”
The former congresswoman did not mince words as she detailed the events surrounding the insurrection. She recounted how Trump encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol after a fiery speech at the “Stop the Steal” rally, where he repeated false claims about widespread voter fraud and declared the election results illegitimate. “Trump watched on television as police officers were brutally beaten and the Capitol was assaulted, refusing for hours to tell the mob to leave,” Cheney said. Her remarks underscore the extent of Trump’s inaction during the violent attack, which left lawmakers, staff, and law enforcement officers fearing for their lives.
The January 6th committee, which Cheney co-led as vice chair, was formed to investigate the causes and consequences of the Capitol riot. Over months of hearings, the bipartisan panel presented evidence showing Trump’s involvement in the events of that day, including his efforts to pressure state officials to overturn election results, encourage the submission of fake electors, and target then-Vice President Mike Pence for refusing to interfere with the certification process. The committee also highlighted Trump’s repeated public and private statements that fueled the anger and disinformation that motivated his supporters.
Cheney’s statement is part of her continued effort to hold Trump accountable, even after leaving office. A staunch conservative and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, she has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s actions, often at great political cost. Her vote to impeach Trump following the Capitol attack and her role on the January 6th committee drew sharp backlash from her Republican colleagues, ultimately leading to her removal from House leadership and her loss in Wyoming’s GOP primary.
“Donald Trump has demonstrated time and again that he is unfit for office and a threat to our democracy,” Cheney said. “His actions on January 6th and the days leading up to it were a betrayal of his oath of office and the principles that underpin our Constitution. The idea that he would now threaten those who sought to uncover the truth about that dark day is both chilling and deeply un-American.”
Cheney’s remarks also reflect broader concerns about the state of American democracy and the growing threats posed by political extremism. She has repeatedly warned against the dangers of normalizing Trump’s conduct and allowing him to escape accountability, arguing that doing so would set a dangerous precedent for future leaders. “If we do not stand up to those who seek to undermine the rule of law, we risk losing the very foundation of our republic,” Cheney said.
In the aftermath of January 6, Cheney has emerged as a prominent voice advocating for a return to traditional conservative values and a rejection of the populist, authoritarian tendencies she associates with Trump’s leadership. While her positions have alienated her from much of the Republican base, Cheney remains steadfast in her commitment to upholding democratic norms and principles. She has stated that she is willing to sacrifice her political career to ensure that the truth about January 6th is known and that those responsible are held accountable.
“History will judge those of us in positions of public trust by how we respond in moments of crisis,” Cheney said. “I intend to ensure that future generations understand what happened on January 6, who was responsible, and why it must never happen again.”
As Trump continues to dominate the Republican Party and seek a return to the presidency, Cheney’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing American democracy. Her statement reflects a deep concern for the future of the nation and a call to action for all Americans to defend the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
