The mood was electric at the Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday as former President Donald Trump faced charges for hush money payments. Amidst the chaos, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) took a stand against what he called “election interference” aimed at disrupting Trump’s campaign efforts. Johnson, along with a united front of notable Republican figures, presented a strong show of support for the former president. However, not all within the Republican ranks shared this sentiment.
One notable dissenting voice was former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump and his allies. Taking to Twitter, Cheney expressed her disapproval of Johnson’s actions, writing, “Have to admit I’m surprised that @SpeakerJohnson wants to be in the ‘I cheated on my wife with a porn star’ club. I guess he’s not that concerned with teaching morality to our young people after all.” Cheney’s tweet received a sharp response, with Newsmax host Rob Schmitt mocking her moral stance by saying, “Lessons in Morality… from a Cheney lol.”
Lessons in Morality… from a Cheney lol
— Rob Schmitt (@SchmittNYC) May 14, 2024
Even Marc Thiessen, a liberal analyst, chimed in, saying, “He just risked his job and political career to pass aid to Ukraine and literally saved a country. You weren’t there to fight for Ukraine because you blew up your political career and now you heckle him from the sidelines.” Thiessen’s comment referenced Cheney’s vote to impeach Trump following the Capitol breach on January 6th, 2021.
Johnson, who is known for his strong support of Trump, defended the former president and his actions, calling the current proceedings “politically motivated trials” and a “disgrace.” He also accused the Democrats of trying to interfere with Trump’s campaign efforts by bringing these charges against him. The show of support from Johnson and other Republican figures is a testament to the continued loyalty and admiration for Trump within the party.
He just risked his job and political career to pass aid to Ukraine and literally saved a country. You weren’t there to fight for Ukraine because you blew up your political career and now you heckle him from the sidelines. https://t.co/GMhg8KVctj
— Marc Thiessen 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇦🇹🇼🇮🇱 (@marcthiessen) May 14, 2024
However, not all Republicans are standing behind Trump and his allies. Some within the party, like Cheney, have been vocal in their criticism of the former president and his actions. Cheney, a former member of House leadership, has been a staunch opponent of Trump since the Capitol breach and has faced backlash from fellow Republicans for her vote to impeach.
The divide within the Republican party highlights the ongoing debate over Trump’s influence and role within the party. While some argue that he is still a strong and important figure, others, like Cheney, believe that it is time for the party to move on and distance themselves from the former president.
The hush money payments trial brings forward complicated issues and allegiances, showcasing the intricacies of the current political landscape. As the trial and the larger political climate surrounding Trump continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how divisive the former president’s legacy will be. Despite differing opinions within the party, the Republican show of support at the courthouse on Tuesday proves that, for many, Trump’s influence remains strong.
