Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) disagrees with Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), the former No. 3 House Republican, on policy issues. But she says it is “shameful” that Republicans voted to strip Cheney of her leadership position.
During an interview with HuffPost, Omar said, “Liz Cheney is as right-wing as they come. She has spent her career agitating for war with Iran, is an open climate denier and has pressured the government to silence climate activism.”
“She has supported giant tax breaks for billionaires, gutting health care in this country, and is one of the most prominent agitators for endless wars and impunity for human rights abusers. She has repeatedly singled out Muslims for scorn and directly contributed to the rise of anti-Muslim hate in this country. Progressives should not be celebrating anyone with her record,” she continued.
“She has repeatedly singled out Muslims for scorn and directly contributed to the rise of anti-Muslim hate in this country. Progressives should not be celebrating anyone with her record.”
However, Omar said, “It’s also true that the reason Republicans are removing her leadership is shameful.”
“They support the violent insurrection to overthrow our election on January 6th and will purge anyone who calls for accountability ― even if they support a radical right-wing agenda. They will cancel and censure if you dare to challenge them, but cry if anyone calls them into account. We should all fear for our democracy,” she added.
Omar’s comments come as House Republicans moved to strip Cheney of her role as the House Republican Conference chairwoman, as IJR reported.
Cheney, who has become a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, argued that, “We face a threat America has never seen before. A former president who provoked a violent attack on this Capitol in an effort to steal the election has resumed his aggressive effort to convince Americans that the election was stolen from him.”
“Remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar. I will not participate in that. I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law and joins the former president’s crusade to undermine our democracy,” she added.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have also blasted Republicans for ousting Cheney.