“‘Step Down or Be Banned!’ Trump’s Shocking Ultimatum to Liz Cheney”
Donald Trump Unleashes Verbal Barrage on Liz Cheney, Threatens to Ban Her from the U.S. if She Refuses to Step Down
May 24, 2025 | Washington, D.C. |
In yet another thunderous escalation of political warfare, former President Donald J. Trump has taken direct aim at longtime political rival and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, calling for her to “step down from public life entirely” and threatening, in his words, to “ban her from the United States” if she does not comply.
The statement, issued late Friday evening via Truth Social and during a rally in Arizona, has sparked outrage, disbelief, and sharp rebukes from legal experts, political analysts, and members of both major parties. While Trump no longer holds public office, his influence over the Republican base remains potent—and his words continue to carry immense weight.
A Bombshell Declaration at the Phoenix Rally
The controversy erupted during Trump’s “Save America Again” rally in Phoenix, Arizona, where he addressed a crowd of over 25,000 supporters. After a string of familiar campaign promises and grievances over the 2020 election, Trump veered into a fiery tirade targeting Cheney.
“Liz Cheney is a disgrace to this country,” Trump shouted, his voice rising to a crescendo. “She doesn’t represent Wyoming, she doesn’t represent America, and she certainly doesn’t represent the Republican Party anymore. If she doesn’t step down from everything—every role, every platform—I will make sure she is banned from this country!”
The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers, laughter, and gasps. Many assumed it was typical Trump hyperbole. But within hours, Trump’s team released an official statement doubling down on the threat.
Official Statement: ‘She Must Step Down’
“Liz Cheney has undermined our nation for too long,” the statement read. “Her continued attacks on the America First movement, her alliance with the radical left, and her betrayal of conservative values are unacceptable. The American people deserve leaders who reflect their values—not globalist traitors like Cheney. If she does not step down voluntarily, we will pursue every legal and political avenue to ensure she is removed—and yes, we’ll push for a permanent ban from reentering this country she clearly despises.”
The statement did not clarify how a private citizen, even a former president, could enact such a ban—nor did it outline any legal mechanism for doing so.
Cheney Fires Back
Within hours, Liz Cheney, a staunch critic of Trump and a key figure on the January 6th Committee, responded with characteristic defiance.
“I took an oath to the Constitution—not to Donald Trump’s fragile ego,” Cheney wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I will not be intimidated by a man who tried to overthrow democracy and now thinks he can exile his opponents like a wannabe dictator.”
Cheney went further, calling Trump’s statement “dangerous authoritarian rhetoric” and a “direct threat to the democratic principles this country was founded on.”
Legal Experts Call Foul
Legal scholars were quick to weigh in, pointing out that Trump’s threat to ban Cheney from the country is not only unenforceable but unconstitutional.
“Trump has no authority to ban a U.S. citizen from the country,” said Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor emeritus at Harvard University. “Even a sitting president cannot strip a citizen of their right to live in or return to their own country without due process—and certainly not for political dissent.”
Neal Katyal, former acting U.S. Solicitor General, called Trump’s remarks “a chilling abuse of influence and a clear call for political vengeance.”
Political Fallout
The Republican National Committee has remained largely silent, but some key figures have begun distancing themselves from Trump’s latest outburst.
Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) condemned the statement as “a repugnant threat more befitting a dictator than a former American president.” Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) added, “We can’t allow political discourse to devolve into threats of exile and personal vendettas.”
However, others within Trump’s orbit echoed his sentiments, albeit in milder terms. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) tweeted, “Liz Cheney should have been removed from the GOP years ago. Trump is just saying what we all think.”
What’s Next for Cheney and Trump?
Liz Cheney, once the third-ranking Republican in the House, has not held elected office since leaving Congress in early 2023. However, she has remained highly active in politics, frequently appearing on national media, publishing a best-selling memoir, and openly considering a 2028 presidential run—possibly as an independent or third-party candidate.
Trump, meanwhile, is widely expected to announce his candidacy for the 2028 election, having lost narrowly to President Joe Biden in 2024. His renewed attacks on political rivals suggest a scorched-earth strategy to reclaim dominance over the conservative movement.
Despite the theatrics, analysts warn of a more dangerous undercurrent.
“Trump’s rhetoric is growing darker,” said political analyst Amy Walter. “This isn’t just about Liz Cheney. It’s about framing any dissent as treason and creating a loyalty test where only unconditional devotion to Trump is acceptable.”
A Nation on Edge
As the political world processes yet another extraordinary chapter in Trump-era American politics, many are left asking: how far is too far?
The former president’s latest outburst may not carry legal weight, but its symbolism is undeniable. At a time when political polarization has reached historic levels, the idea of one American threatening to exile another for opposing views cuts to the very heart of the national debate.
Liz Cheney, for her part, says she will not be silenced.
“I will keep speaking the truth,” she said. “And I will never be afraid of Donald Trump.”
Would you like me to stylize this as a mock-up for a newspaper layout or prepare a shorter social media version?