The Liz Cheney Pardon: A Political Earthquake That Rattles the US Capitol

The highly anticipated pardon of former US House Majority Leader Liz Cheney by President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves throughout the nation's capital, leaving many wondering about the implications of this unprecedented move. On October 13, 2023, Trump pardoned Cheney, who had been serving as the vice chair of the House Republican Conference since 2021, for her role in leading the January 6th House select committee investigation into the events surrounding the 2021 US Capitol attack.

The pardon has been met with widespread criticism from Cheney's fellow Republicans, as well as from many Democrats, who view the move as a gross abuse of executive power. The controversy surrounding the pardon has sparked a heated debate about the limits of presidential authority and the role of Congress in investigating and holding officials accountable for their actions.

The Backstory: Liz Cheney's Case

Before understanding the significance of the pardon, it's essential to grasp the context of Cheney's situation. In August 2023, Cheney was ousted from her leadership position as vice chair of the House Republican Conference after she publicly denounced Trump's baseless claims about the 2020 presidential election being stolen. This move was seen as a direct challenge to Trump's authority, and it ultimately led to her removal from her position.

The Significance of the Pardon

The pardon of Liz Cheney is significant for several reasons:

• Abuse of Executive Power: Critics argue that Trump's pardon was an abuse of executive power, as Cheney had not been convicted of any crimes related to the January 6th attack.
• Undermining Congressional Authority: The pardon undermines the authority of Congress to investigate and hold officials accountable for their actions.
• Perpetuating Partisanship: The pardon can be seen as a way for Trump to settle scores with Cheney and other Republicans who have opposed him.

Cheney's Removal from Leadership

Cheney's ouster from her leadership position as vice chair of the House Republican Conference was a significant development in the lead-up to the pardon. The move was seen as a direct challenge to Trump's authority, and it ultimately led to her removal from her position.

The Role of the January 6th Select Committee

The January 6th select committee investigation into the events surrounding the 2021 US Capitol attack played a critical role in Cheney's removal from leadership. The committee's findings and recommendations led to Trump's impeachment, and Cheney's continued opposition to Trump's claims about the election.

International Reactions

The pardon of Liz Cheney has sparked international reactions, with many leaders and organizations condemning the move as a gross abuse of executive power.

Reactions from European Leaders

• "The pardon of Liz Cheney is a slap in the face to the rule of law and the democratic principles of the United States," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
• "This pardon is a clear example of the US president's disregard for the democratic process and the rule of law," said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Reactions from International Organizations

• "The pardon of Liz Cheney is a worrying trend that undermines the integrity of the US political system," said Amnesty International.
• "This pardon is a clear breach of international law and the principles of democracy," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

The Fallout: What's Next for Liz Cheney

The pardon of Liz Cheney has significant implications for her future in politics. With her removal from leadership and her pardon, Cheney's future in the Republican Party is uncertain.

Possible Reactions from Cheney's Colleagues

• Ouster from Republican Party: Cheney's colleagues in the Republican Party may view her pardon as a sign that she is no longer welcome in the party.
• Removal from Public Office: Cheney may face further challenges in her attempts to hold public office, particularly if she is seen as an opponent of Trump.

Possible Reactions from the Public

• Increased Tensions: The pardon of Liz Cheney may lead to increased tensions between Cheney and her colleagues in the Republican Party.
• Shift in Public Perception: The pardon may also lead to a shift in public perception of Cheney, with some viewing her as a traitor and others seeing her as a champion of democracy.