(Audit) Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney, and Mike Pence: An Update on Three GOP Figures

written by a member of the WCB

In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, three prominent Republican figures have taken divergent paths since the 2024 election. Here's an update on Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney, and Mike Pence as of January 2025.

Liz Cheney: From GOP Outcast to Democratic Ally

Liz Cheney, once a rising star in the Republican Party, has continued her transformation into a vocal critic of Donald Trump and a surprising ally to the Democratic administration. In a bold move, Cheney has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, urging fellow Republicans to do the same.

Cheney's stance remains unequivocal: she views Trump as an "unrecoverable catastrophe" and a significant threat to American democracy. Her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, has joined her in this unprecedented endorsement of a Democratic candidate, citing concerns over Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Despite losing her House seat in 2022, Cheney has maintained a prominent public profile. She continues to speak out against what she perceives as dangers to the constitutional order, positioning herself as a defender of democratic principles regardless of party lines.

Mitt Romney: The Retiring Voice of Traditional Conservatism

Mitt Romney, the outgoing Senator from Utah, has chosen not to seek re-election in 2024, marking the end of a long and notable political career. As he prepares to leave office, Romney has offered insights into the changing dynamics of the Republican Party and his place within it.

Romney acknowledges that the GOP has become "the party of the working-class, middle-class voter" under Trump's influence. However, he expresses concern that Republican policy positions don't always align well with the interests of this new base. Despite his criticisms of Trump, Romney has found himself voting with the former president's policies more often than not, highlighting the complex nature of party loyalty and personal conviction in modern politics.

In his final months in office, Romney has focused on bipartisan efforts, including infrastructure improvements and environmental conservation projects in Utah. He's also been vocal about the need for fiscal responsibility and the importance of maintaining strong international alliances.

As he exits the political stage, Romney remains a symbol of traditional Republican values, often at odds with the party's current direction but committed to conservative principles.

Mike Pence: Navigating a Post-Trump Political Landscape

Mike Pence, the former Vice President, has been carving out his own path since leaving office. After an unsuccessful bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Pence has positioned himself as a voice for traditional conservatism while maintaining a delicate balance with his former running mate.

At Jimmy Carter's state funeral in January 2025, Pence and Trump had their first public interaction in nearly four years. The brief exchange, where Pence congratulated Trump on his election victory, was seen by many as a potential thawing of their relationship.

However, Pence continues to stand by his actions on January 6, 2021, when he certified the 2020 election results despite pressure from Trump. He's been vocal about his concerns regarding some of Trump's potential cabinet picks for the upcoming term, particularly expressing reservations about nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard.

Pence has remained active in conservative circles, founding Advancing American Freedom, an organization focused on promoting conservative social and economic policies. He's also been a frequent speaker at universities and conservative events, advocating for a return to civility in politics and a recommitment to traditional conservative values.

In his public appearances, Pence has emphasized the importance of balancing conservative principles with a more inclusive and respectful political discourse. He's positioned himself as a bridge between the traditional Republican establishment and the party's new direction under Trump, though his influence within the party remains a subject of debate.

As these three figures navigate their roles in a changing political landscape, their actions and words continue to shape the ongoing dialogue about the future of the Republican Party and American conservatism.