Former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney, known in part for her infamous opposition from within the Republican Party to former President Donald Trump’s many lies about the 2020 presidential election, is supporting retired Gen. Mark Milley after he used a retirement speech to condemn any “wannabe dictator” — seemingly referencing Trump.
Milley has repeatedly been targeted by Trump, who alleged the now former military leader engaged in treasonous communications with a foreign power (Chinese authorities). Trump claimed there was a historical precedent for executing Milley, an obviously extreme statement that really evidences the lack of substance behind certain Republicans’ present-day claims to be the political party of support for the military and law enforcement. And this is the presidential candidate you’re backing? Really?
Milley had been serving until just recently as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is a body comprised of the highest-ranking uniformed personnel from across branches of the military. Milley also held that position while Trump was president. In his recent speech, Milley said: “We don’t take an oath to a tribe. We don’t take an oath to a religion. We don’t take an oath to a king or a queen or to a tyrant or a dictator. And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator. We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution. And we take an oath to the idea that is America. And we’re willing to die to protect it.” Though Milley didn’t name Trump, the implication was rather obvious.
“This is a patriot. Thank you to General Milley for his service to our nation,” Cheney replied to footage of Milley.
Milley’s communications that have received scrutiny include multiple phone conversations with a Chinese military leader in which Milley sought to assure the foreign official that the U.S. wouldn’t be attacking. Milley has said his calls were known and coordinated and that he was acting in line with expectations of deference to the U.S. presidency rather than subverting the office. “I know, I am certain, that President Trump did not intend to attack the Chinese and it was my directed responsibility to convey presidential orders and intent,” he told a Senate committee two years ago. “My task at that time was to de-escalate. My message again was consistent: Stay calm, steady, and de-escalate. We are not going to attack you.”
This is a patriot. Thank you to General Milley for his service to our nation.
pic.twitter.com/5WAQz3YGE2— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) September 29, 2023
