Former GOP Representative Liz Cheney has raised concerns about the emergence of a “Putin wing” within the Republican Party, highlighting Donald Trump’s response to the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny as a troubling indicator.
Speaking on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ Cheney emphasised the need to prevent the influence of the “Putin wing” from dominating the West Wing of the White House in the upcoming election cycle. She criticised Trump’s official response to Navalny’s death, noting his failure to address the opposition leader or Russian President Vladimir Putin directly.
Cheney condemned Trump’s reaction, pointing out that his silence on Navalny’s demise reflects a concerning trend within the Republican Party. She compared Putin’s actions against Navalny to Trump’s calls for retribution, highlighting the dangers of leaders operating outside the rule of law.
Trump’s recent remarks regarding NATO member countries further underscore Cheney’s apprehensions. Trump expressed support for Russia’s freedom to act as it pleases against nations failing to meet NATO spending guidelines, a stance criticised by NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg for jeopardising transatlantic security.
Cheney warned that Trump’s rhetoric undermines US commitments to NATO and risks the safety of American and European soldiers. She labelled Trump’s position as “dangerous” and indicative of a flawed understanding of America’s global responsibilities.
While Cheney remains undecided about a potential third-party presidential run, she affirmed her commitment to opposing Trump. She asserted her determination to take whatever steps necessary to prevent Trump’s return to power, signalling a potential challenge within the GOP ranks.
Cheney’s remarks reflect growing tensions within the Republican Party, highlighting diverging views on foreign policy and America’s role on the global stage. As political dynamics continue to evolve, the GOP faces internal debates over its future direction and alignment with leaders like Trump.
