Trump's 'War Hawk' Comments on Cheney Spark Controversy

Above: Former Pres. Trump shakes hands with Tucker Carlson at the conclusion of a conversation on Oct. 31, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Former Pres. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, during a Thursday interview, made controversial comments about former Republican US Rep. Liz Cheney and also described a scenario during which she would be shot.

  • Speaking with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson at an event in Phoenix, Trump called Cheney "a deranged person" and a "war hawk." He then said, "Let's put her with the rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her. OK, let's see how she feels about it."


The Spin

Republican narrative

This controversy is being drummed up disingenuously by Democrats and their allies in the media. Trump wasn't calling for Cheney to be shot, he was making a point so that even the mainstream media can understand it. He was explaining how warmongers often don't even serve in the armed forces and often don't face consequences for sending other people's children to fight. Democrats and the media should feel outrage toward the war hawks rather than Trump.

Democratic narrative

Sadly, this is the type of rhetoric America has gotten numb to from Trump. In addition to not being the first time he has called for one of his opponents to face a violent attack, he's also continually lashed out at female critics while aligning himself with a number of misogynistic figures. This is un-American and should disqualify Trump from being the next president.


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Political split

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