Donald Trump used his most aggressive still during the campaign in Arizona to attack former Representative Liz Cheney as a “radical war hawk” who he recommended should be “fired upon.” This latest remark brings the tension in the ongoing feud between Trump and Cheney into higher level, as Cheney is among Trump’s most bitter opponents within the GOP.

Trump Criticises Cheney’s “War Hawk” Stance

While speaking at a Glendale rally with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump accused Cheney of being quick to push for wars while avoiding direct combat herself.

“She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK?” he said. “Let’s see how she feels about it when the guns are trained on her face.”

The former president also resorted to personal insults, referring to Cheney as “very dumb,” a “stupid person,” and “the moron.” This escalated Trump’s pattern of combative language towards his political opponents, stoking concerns just days before a significant election.

Escalating Language and Election Tensions

Trump’s comments about Cheney follow when he has not ceased to openly slander and disapprove of the 2020 election that he lost. His language has recently been more assertive, calling opponents ‘the enemy within’ and hinting at a military solution to anyone he considers a threat.

Cheney, one of Trump’s leading critics on his handling of the January 6 Capitol attack, previously served as the third-ranking Republican in the House. She was removed from her Wyoming seat in a primary election in 2022, following a Trump-backed campaign against her.

Cheney Responds: “This is How Dictators Destroy Free Nations”

Following Trump’s incendiary comments, Cheney quickly responded. She cautioned that such rhetoric reflects the actions of authoritarian leaders.

“They threaten those who speak against them with death. We cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant.”

Cheney, who has recently campaigned alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, encouraged Republicans to support the Democrat to avoid what she describes as a serious threat to democracy.

Trump Campaign Defends Comments

Facing backlash, Trump’s campaign defended his statements, portraying Cheney as a “warmonger.” Campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called the outrage “fake media hype” designed to sway the election.

“President Trump is 100% correct that warmongers like Liz Cheney are very quick to start wars and send other Americans to fight them, rather than go into combat themselves,” Leavitt said. She added that the backlash was a coordinated effort to “interfere on behalf of Kamala Harris.”

A Long History of Aggressive Rhetoric

This is not the first time Trump has employed violent language to energise his supporters. During his first presidential campaign, he suggested roughing up hecklers and “punching” another in the face. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper recalled Trump, during the George Floyd protests, asking whether authorities could “shoot” protesters in the legs.

As he campaigns for the 2024 Republican nomination, Trump has pledged to be “your retribution” and has framed the election as the “final battle” for America.

Harris Pushes Back, Urges Moderates to Reject Trump

Vice President Harris has strongly criticised Trump’s rhetoric, particularly in a speech at the Ellipse in Washington, the same location where Trump delivered his January 6 speech. She warned that Trump’s language reflects an attempt to use military power against American citizens.

“Donald Trump intends to use the United States military against American citizens who simply disagree with him,” Harris said. “This is not a candidate for president who is thinking about how to make your life better. This is someone who is unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and out for unchecked power.”

Conclusion

As tensions mount leading up to the election, Trump’s escalating rhetoric against political foes like Cheney highlights an intensifying divide within American politics. Cheney’s response and Harris’s comments reflect a growing concern over Trump’s approach, signalling a moment of high stakes for both parties and the country at large.