Gov. Larry Hogan (R-Md.) says the Republican Party is forming “a circular firing squad” to prove its loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Hogan suggested Republicans are “concerned” about retaliation from Trump and “being attacked within the party.”
He told host Chuck Todd it bothers him “you have to swear fealty to the dear leader or you get kicked out of the party. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Turning his attention to Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Todd explained she “voted for President Trump’s singular legislative achievements… the person that they’re replacing her with voted against it.”
He asked Hogan, “Is the party now what you just said, ‘If you’re not with Trump, you’re not a Republican?'”
Watch the video below:
WATCH: @GovLarryHogan reacts to GOP's move to oust Liz Cheney from House leadership & says "it's sort of a circular firing squad where we're just attacking our own party."
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 9, 2021
"It just bothers me that you have to swear fealty to the 'Dear Leader' or you get kicked out the party." pic.twitter.com/22khoNvQNI
“It’s sort of a circular firing squad where we’re just attacking members of our own party instead of focusing on solving problems, or standing up and having an argument, that we can debate the Democrats on some of the things the Biden administration is pushing through,” Hogan replied.
House Republicans are expected to vote to remove Cheney from her leadership position, and one source said they could vote as soon as May 12.
Trump has been vocal about his criticism of Cheney, saying in a statement last week, “Liz Cheney is a warmongering fool who has no business in Republican Party Leadership. We want leaders who believe in the Make America Great Again movement, and prioritize the values of America First.”
He added, “Elise Stefanik is a far superior choice, and she has my COMPLETE and TOTAL Endorsement for GOP Conference Chair. Elise is a tough and smart communicator!”