At a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona, Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of violent rhetoric against former Rep. Liz Cheney, labeling her a “war hawk” who deserves to be targeted.
“Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK?” he declared, adding, “Let’s see how she feels about it when the guns are trained on her face.”
Trump’s tirade included insults aimed at Cheney, a former third-ranking Republican in the House, calling her “very dumb” and a “moron.” This latest threat marks a disturbing escalation in Trump’s pattern of violent language directed at political opponents, especially as he campaigns ahead of upcoming elections.
Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, has been a prominent figure in the investigation of the January 6 Capitol riot. After being ousted from her House seat by a Trump-backed challenger in 2022, she has continued to speak out against the former president’s rhetoric.
In response to Trump’s comments, Cheney took to social media, stating, “This is how dictators destroy free nations,” and warning that “we cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant.”
Cheney has also campaigned with Vice President Kamala Harris, urging Republicans to prioritize democracy over party loyalty, calling for a united front against candidates who threaten democratic values.
In his remarks, Trump also expressed surprise at former Vice President Dick Cheney’s endorsement of Harris, despite having previously pardoned his former chief of staff, Scooter Libby, convicted of perjury.
Trump’s history of violent rhetoric dates back to his first presidential campaign, where he suggested physical violence against protesters. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper recounted that Trump once asked if military force could be used against peaceful protesters following George Floyd’s death.
As Trump continues to campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination, he has described the upcoming election as “the final battle,” while framing his opponents as “the enemy within.” This rhetoric has raised concerns among many, including Harris, who warned that Trump seeks to use military power against American citizens who oppose him.
“This is someone who is unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and out for unchecked power,” she stated.
