The 10 republican members of Congress who voted to impeach President Donald Trump for his role in instigating the mob that marauded through the Capitol on January 6 knew the riot would be a historic turning point for the country. What they didn’t realize: The events of that day might also mark the beginning of the end of their own political careers, and that their actions would give Trump and politicians loyal to him a rallying cry to help them retain control of the Republican Party.
Six months after the riot, the impeachers are the GOP’s most endangered incumbents. Nine of the 10 already face credible primary challengers ahead of next year’s midterm elections, and all have been the targets of relentless attacks from Trump and his supporters, as well as on social media from once-supportive constituents livid about their impeachment vote.
Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, stripped of her leadership role in the House for her persistent criticism of the former president, has absorbed the most venom. But Trump seems bent on exacting revenge on the entire group, calling out the names of each of the GOP representatives who voted to impeach him one by one in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February, telling the audience: “Get rid of them all.”
If that effort is largely successful, it would be the clearest sign yet that, even out of office, Trump retains control of the Republican Party and the future is doomed in the GOP for anyone who vigorously opposes the 45th president.
This story is from the August 06, 2021 edition of Newsweek.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 06, 2021 edition of Newsweek.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wildlife Crossings Are a Bear Necessity
Safe passages for animals under or over highways are reducing road collisions and could help them to adapt to climate change by seeking out new habitats
'I Don't Live My Life With the Cameras On'
Canada's first lady Sophie Grégoire Trudeau talks working through trauma, relationships in the public eye and her new book exploring mental health
AMERICA'S Maternity HOSPITALS 2024
THE ARRIVAL OF A HEALTHY BABY BRINGS UNPARALLELED joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.
Trouble in Paradise
China's massive investment in Antigua potentially represents the greatest external challenge along America's 'third border' since the Cuban missile crisis
Five Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy
We want our beloved dogs to live a long life, but also a healthy one not least to keep the bills down.
We're Struggling to Afford Our Furry Friends
The cost of caring for our four-legged companions has risen for nearly threequarters of Americans, leaving many owners concerned about financially supporting them
A Life of Crime: America's Migrant-Smuggling Teens
Money-motivated children as young as 14 are being targeted by cartels on social media to traffic people illegally into the US and it's just the start of their criminal journey
'I am always in the moment'
India's prime minister on his goals, his critics and his 'god-gifted' ability to listen
An Ecstatic Anniversary
Sarah McLachlan is touring this summer, 30 years after the release of ‘Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,' the album that made her a star
'WE ARE FACING THE MOST COMPLEX SECURITY ENVIRONMENT SINCE - WORLD WAR II'
Japan's prime minister on security, diplomacy and protecting the rule of law at home, in Asia and around the world