Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Cheney recounts the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Trump administration officials, including Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and others, began resigning. Cheney describes the growing realization of the danger posed by Trump’s actions.

House Democrats proposed a resolution citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to expel members who objected to electoral votes, and Republican leaders discussed various options, including impeachment, urging Trump to resign, or invoking the 25th Amendment. The chapter emphasizes the internal struggle within the Republican Party, with some members recognizing the gravity of the situation while others remained loyal to Trump. Corporate donors began withdrawing support from objecting members, posing a significant threat to Kevin McCarthy’s leadership. The chapter also highlights dishonest statements made by some Republican members and legal analysis supporting impeachment.

Cheney recounts how House Republican leaders discussed the events surrounding the call for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and the introduction of an article of impeachment against President Trump. They considered the possibility of Trump resigning and debated whether to pursue censure instead of impeachment. McCarthy expressed frustration with Trump and acknowledged Trump’s responsibility for the events on January 6. The chapter also touches on the personal threats and fear of violence against members of Congress and the need for an investigation into the events.