Three weeks following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy visited former President Donald Trump at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. This visit, as revealed in an upcoming book by former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, was to offer support to a despondent Trump, grappling with his post-presidency phase.
CNN’s Jamie Gangel, appearing on “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” discussed insights from Cheney’s soon-to-be-released memoir, “Oath and Honor.” She highlighted a particular episode where McCarthy sought to uplift Trump, who was reportedly battling depression and a loss of appetite.
Tapper described McCarthy’s visit as a pivotal moment, suggesting it marked a turning point in the Republican Party’s relationship with Trump post-January 6. Cheney, in her book, expressed her initial disbelief upon seeing a photo of McCarthy with Trump from Jan. 28, 2021. McCarthy’s explanation for the visit, according to Cheney, was rooted in concerns over Trump’s well-being.
Cheney’s recount in her memoir paints a picture of a political landscape deeply affected by the events of Jan. 6. The Wyoming representative, who lost her primary election to a Trump-endorsed candidate and served as the vice chairwoman of the House Jan. 6 committee, shared her frustration and the discontent of fellow GOP members over McCarthy’s actions. The committee’s final report pointedly held Trump accountable for inciting the Capitol riot.