Even over a month after he's left office, few Republican lawmakers are willing to publicly rebuke former President Donald Trump, and the few who do often face biting consequences from within their party.
The third-ranking House Republican, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), was one of 10 House Republicans who voted with Democrats to impeach Trump after his lies about the 2020 election prompted a mob of his supporters to storm the Capitol in a deadly failed insurrection.
Immediately, Cheney faced scathing rebuke from within her party. Republican Representatives began lobbying to strip her of her House leadership position, and at least one Republican traveled to Wyoming to slam her among her own constituents.
Another Republican Congressman who voted to impeach Trump—Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL)—is facing similar backlash from his own family members.
In a series of deranged letters, Kinzinger's relatives disavowed him for his opposition to Trump.
The first letter reads in part:
"Oh my, what a disappointment you are to us and to God! We were once so proud of your accomplishments! Instead, you go against your Christian principals [sic] and join the 'devil's army' (Democrats and the fake news media). How do you call yourself a Christian when you join the 'devil's army' believing in abortion! We thought you were 'smart' enough to see how the left is brainwashing so many 'so called good people' ... You have fallen for their socialism ideals!"
A snippet of the second says:
"As a member of the military, defying and disrespecting your Commander-In-Chief is an act of Treason!"
It continues:
"We are so disappointed and saddened by the decision/choices you have made! We will be praying that the Lord will 'lead you Out of Darkness!'
Perhaps the witch/devil, holding the gavel, will invite you to her house for ice cream!"
Kinzinger tweeted in response to the letters.
The letters generated a wealth of reactions online.
But Kinzinger was also met with messages of support; some even extended an offer to symbolically join their families.
In addition to being shunned by his family, Kinzinger was also censured by his state's Republican party.
