Rep. Gaetz accuses GOP conference chair Liz Cheney of working against Trump, calls for her removal

Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz is calling for the removal of House GOP Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney, arguing her efforts to undermine President Trump are hurting chamber Republicans. 

"Cheney has worked behind the scenes (and now in public) against @realDonaldTrump and his agenda," he tweeted Tuesday. "House Republicans deserve better."

Gaetz, a Trump ally, also said Cheney should resign or be removed. 

=

Cheney, the third highest ranking Republican in the House, has recently made several public breaks with the president, including questioning his foreign policy decisions, particularly pertaining to the reports of Russian bounties being placed on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. She's also been critical of Trump's positions on masks and lockdowns during the pandemic.

Cheney has also publicly embraced the opinions of NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose views have sometimes come up against the president's. 

However, Cheney was an ardent supporter of Trump throughout his impeachment trial. 

"I take my position in leadership very seriously," Cheney has said in response to the criticism. "I take the oath that I swore to the Constitution very seriously. We have a situation — in many cases — where in our conference we can have a healthy exchange of views."

Cheney reportedly clashed with House Freedom Caucus members after endorsing Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie's primary challenger. Massie previously attempted to prevent the passage of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus package. Massie, who opposed the Democrat-led measure, attempted to make members return to Congress to vote in person, which would have at least temporarily prevented its passage.