‘ON THAT HIGH NOTE’

GOP Leaders Give Supremely Awkward Answer on Trump’s CPAC Speech

“On that high note, thank you very much,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said as he suddenly ended a press conference.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) were both asked during a press conference on Wednesday if former President Trump should speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this weekend—and their answers diverged sharply. McCarthy gave a curt, “Yes, he should.” Cheney said it wasn’t up to her but, given Trump’s role in inciting the Capitol insurrection, “I don’t think he should be playing a role in the future of the party.” After a very awkward silence, McCarthy said, “On that high note, thank you very much” and ended the press briefing.

Trump loyalists have taken aim at Cheney, the third-ranking House Republican, after she blamed Trump for the riot, saying he “lit the flame” that ignited the mob. Trump is scheduled to speak at CPAC on Sunday.