Liz Cheney on thin ice, GOP leadership role in jeopardy

Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney's leadership role as GOP conference chair appears to be in jeopardy.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy addressed reports of a forthcoming vote to oust Cheney from her position, acknowledging that he's personally heard from GOP lawmakers who are not satisfied with her job performance.

McCarthy emphasized that their dissatisfaction was not specifically about her vote in favor of impeaching former President Trump in February. 

It remains unclear when the vote will take place. 

Cheney's office did not respond to a request for comment.

Cheney faced criticism among GOP lawmakers after voting with Democrats to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. She's also been vocal about her opposition to Republicans who doubted the 2020 presidential election results.

"The 2020 presidential election was not stolen," Cheney tweeted. "Anyone who claims it was is spreading THE BIG LIE, turning their back on the rule of law, and poisoning our democratic system.

Trump later targeted Cheney in a statement.

"Heartwarming to read new polls on big-shot warmonger Liz Cheney of the great State of Wyoming," Trump said. "She is so low that her only chance would be if vast numbers of people run against her which, hopefully, won't happen. They never liked her much, but I say she'll never run in a Wyoming election again!"

Last week, Cheney was seen giving President Biden a fist bump as he entered the House chamber to deliver his speech to a joint session of Congress. She defended herself after receiving backlash.

"We're not sworn enemies," she said.

McCarthy was caught on a hot mic Tuesday saying he's fed up with Cheney.

"I think she's got real problems," he said, according to Axios. "I've had it with her. You know, I've lost confidence." 

"Well, someone just has to bring a motion, but I assume that will probably take place," he added, referring to a potential vote to remove Cheney from her leadership post.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi injected herself into the internecine conflict Tuesday, rallying to the embattled Cheney's defense in a statement.

"Word is out that House GOP Leaders are looking to push Rep. Liz Cheney from her post as House Republican Conference Chair — their most senior woman in GOP leadership — for a litany of very Republican reasons: She won't lie, she isn't humble enough, she's like a girlfriend rooting for the wrong team, and more," read a press release from Pelosi's office.

"So what exactly are House GOP Leaders looking for in a #3? Punchbowl AM got the scoop and, well, it's not surprising… they want a woman who isn't a 'threat' to them," the release also read.

The House is in session again next week.