Trump Takes a Victory Lap, Rehashing Attacks on Liz Cheney and Doubling Down on His Influence

Well, it seems former President Donald Trump just can't resist a good victory lap, especially when it involves someone he views as an adversary. Following Representative Liz Cheney's recent primary defeat in Wyoming – a loss many saw coming, given her outspoken opposition to Trump – he wasted no time in rekindling his pointed criticisms. It wasn't just a simple "I told you so," either; he dug a little deeper, recalling a rather telling anecdote about another prominent Republican, Marjorie Taylor Greene, to frame his ongoing grievances with Cheney.

Remember when Trump said something along the lines of "Marjorie went bad" back in the day? He brought that very phrase back into play, using it to describe Cheney's political trajectory in his eyes. It’s a fascinating, if a bit simplistic, way he categorizes those who fall out of his favor. According to Trump, both women, at different points, seemed to veer off the path he believed they should have been on. It's almost like a political litmus test, isn't it? If you cross him, you've somehow "gone bad."

Let's be clear, Cheney's loss was significant, a real landslide, actually. She faced a tough battle against Harriet Hageman, Trump's endorsed candidate, in a state that, frankly, leans very heavily towards the former president's base. Trump, ever the showman, was quick to take full credit, declaring he "got rid of Liz Cheney" and suggesting she was merely a "loudmouth." He genuinely seems to believe he holds this unparalleled power to shape the outcomes of Republican primaries, and in this particular instance, it's hard to argue with the results, isn't it?

Indeed, Trump had even held a rally in Wyoming, essentially campaigning against Cheney and for Hageman. This wasn't just about one House seat; it was a clear demonstration of his continued dominance within the Republican party. For better or worse, his endorsements carry immense weight, and his ire can swiftly derail a political career, especially if you're perceived as disloyal to his movement. It truly underscores how much the GOP has transformed under his influence, where loyalty to him often trumps traditional conservative principles in primary contests.

So, as the dust settles on Cheney's congressional career, at least for now, Trump is certainly enjoying the moment. His words are a stark reminder of the deeply polarized political landscape we navigate, and how personal political battles have become. While Cheney has hinted at a future outside of Congress, perhaps even a presidential bid, Trump seems determined to ensure that her perceived defiance comes with a lasting political cost. It's a high-stakes game, and he's clearly still playing to win, or at the very least, to remind everyone who's still calling the shots.