Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) says Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) was kicked out of her leadership position because of “cancel culture.”
During an appearance on ABC’s “The View” on Friday, Ernst explained, “While there are a number of things that I may not agree with her on, for her to come forward, stand up and say what she feels is important to say is OK.”
“People may not like it, just as I may not like AOC and some of the things that she says out there. But for everyone to try to silence her voice, she has a voice, and it’s OK to use it. I think that’s why we’re all elected is to use our voices,” she continued.
However, Ernst said people need to be “respectful” when they speak out and added, “It’s time that we tone down the political rhetoric. We recognize that we’re all human beings and that we have various constituencies that we need to represent.”
Watch the video below:
.@SenJoniErnst to @TheView on why she says Rep. Liz Cheney was a victim of ‘cancel culture’: “For everyone to try and silence her voice — she has a voice and it’s okay to use it. I think that’s why we’re all elected.”
— The View (@TheView) June 11, 2021
“It’s time that we tone down the political rhetoric.” pic.twitter.com/Ur2ma8DD4l
Merriam-Webster defines “cancel culture” as “the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure.”
Cheney was ousted from her position as the No. 3 Republican in the House following her repeated criticism of former President Donald Trump, as IJR reported.
Speaking to reporters as House Republicans were planning to strip Cheney of her leadership position, Ernst said, “I feel it’s OK to go ahead and express what you feel is right to express and, you know, cancel culture is cancel culture no matter how you look at it. Unfortunately, I think there are those that are trying to silence others in the party.”
Republicans frequently decry “cancel culture.” However, they have faced allegations of engaging in “cancel culture” with regards to how the party treats those who speak out or criticize Trump.