GLENDALE, Ariz. — At a recent event in Glendale, Arizona, former President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming. He characterized Cheney as a “war hawk” and implied that her eagerness to send troops into combat would be tested if she were in a dangerous situation herself.

During the event, which featured former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump was posed a question regarding Cheney’s ongoing campaign against him. Cheney has consistently opposed Trump since the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and has aligned herself with his Democratic rivals, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Describing Cheney as “a deranged person,” Trump elaborated, “The real reason she couldn’t stand me is that she has always desired to engage in war with others. If it were up to her, we would be involved in conflicts in 50 different nations.” He further criticized her intelligence, calling her “a very dumb individual” and reiterating her war-hungry stance. “Let’s say she’s there with a rifle and nine barrels pointed at her. Let’s see how brave she feels in that scenario,” he continued, highlighting the disconnect he perceives between war rhetoric and actual combat situations.

Trump pointed out that those who advocate for military engagement often do so from a safe distance, claiming, “They’re all war hawks when they’re in Washington, making decisions in comfortable offices. They casually suggest sending 10,000 troops right into dangerous frontlines.”

Following Trump’s remarks, Harris’ campaign and other critics on social media seized the opportunity to highlight the implications of his statements. In response, Trump’s campaign clarified that he was criticizing Cheney for her calls to send American troops into conflict, despite her not having any personal combat experience.