Topline
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) On Sunday, former President Donald Trump reacted to Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.)'s criticism of George W. Bush's plans for a fundraiser. This was the latest in a series clashes between Trump & one of his most fierce Republican critics in Congress.
PERRY, GA – SEPTEMBER 25: A photo of former President Donald Trump is projected on a screen in Perry, Georgia on September 25, 2021. The rally also featured Republican Senate candidate Herschel, Georgia Secretary-of-State candidate Rep. Jody Hyice (R–GA) and Georgia Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidat State Senator Burt Jones (R–GA). (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
Cheney tweeted a picture of Bush, with the caption "I like Republican presidents that win re-election," referring to Trump's defeat to Joe Biden last year in the presidential election. This was his first loss since 1988. After Trump called Bush a RINO Republican in Name Only, he released a statement Wednesday shaming him and Karl Rove, his former adviser, for organizing a Texas fundraiser for Cheney. Trump also attacked Bush for not being brave enough to pardon Scooter Liby. Scooter was once the chief of staff to ex-Vice President Dick Cheney, Liz Cheney's father. He was convicted of obstruction of justice and perjury in 2007, but was pardoned in 2018. Trump also attacked the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6, attack on Capitol. Cheney is the chairman of it. He called it the Unselect Committee, and vowed to fight subpoenas he issued for four former aides. Trump also released a statement that featured a photo of Bush and Cheney's haircut with the caption Must-See Photo. This meme was displayed at a rally held in Georgia on Saturday.
Important Background
Since the Trump and Cheney have been at odds, Cheney has voted to impeach Trump because of his incitement to insurrection. Although Cheney's constant criticism of Trump earned her a spot in the select committee, it cost her her position as the House Republican Conference chairman.
Big Number
5. This is the number of Republican legislators, including Cheney who are facing Trump-endorsed primary challengers. One of them is Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R. Ohio), who chose to retire at the end his term than face a challenge by Max Miller, an ex-Trump aide.
What to Watch
Cheney will face a difficult task in her reelection campaign, given the challenge by Harriet Hageman (a former Cheney supporter). Trump supported Hageman earlier in the month and called Cheney disloyal. This could spell doom for Cheney in a state where Trump won by more than 40 percent in 2020.
