House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney says that contrary to popular belief former President Trump is not the leader of the Republican Party. Cheney said that House and Senate Minority Leaders Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell are truly in control of the GOP. The remark came after Cheney was asked by a reporter what role she would like to see former President Trump play in the 2022 primaries.

The Hill reports:

“I think right now, the Republican Party is headed Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy in the House. I think our elected leaders, you know, are the ones who are in charge of the Republican Party,” Cheney said.

“And I think as we look at ’22 and ’24, we’re very much gonna be focused on substance and on the issues,” Cheney continued. “And I think that’s where you got to attract back the voters that we lost in 2020, by conveying to them that, in fact, you know, we are the party that they can trust. We’re the party of competence and of conservative principles.”

Last week, Cheney said she hadn’t invited Trump when asked if the former president would be making an appearance at the retreat.

Rep. Cheney has faced fierce backlash from the Republican Party after voting to impeach Trump during his second impeachment trial following the Capitol riot on January 6th.

Cheney’s vote sparked a slew of Republican infighting, with many lawmakers calling for her to be removed as conference chair. Embattled Florida. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) travelled to her home state of Wyoming to take part in an anti-Cheney rally. Soon after her vote, the Wyoming Republican Party voted to censure her.

Former President Trump vowed to support primary challengers seeking to unseat the Republicans who voted to impeach him. So far, Trump has adopted a sort of kingmaker role within the party, issuing endorsements for a number of Republican challengers.

Recently, Cheney made her feelings about Trump’s potential presidential run crystal clear. She had a simple answer when asked if she would support Trump should he win the Republican party’s presidential nomination a third time, watch it HERE.

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