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.
These two letters (4 pages) that Adam Kinzinger's family wrote to him because he voted to impeach Donald Trump are… https://t.co/Ph4JJfVGDc— Josh Jordan (@Josh Jordan) 1613591825.0
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.
Thank you, @GretchenCarlson I’m ok, more sad that someone would be willing to choose a man over family. And sad th… https://t.co/hslClBqRpr— Adam Kinzinger (@Adam Kinzinger) 1613434894.0
The letters generated a wealth of reactions online.
Kinzinger’s family (some) want to disown him because he has a conscience and doesn’t bow down to his imperial highn… https://t.co/DwLMxm1AVz— Joy Behar (@Joy Behar) 1613481186.0
Shunned by his family? Man... https://t.co/rBAVY8elIC— Kai Ryssdal (@Kai Ryssdal) 1613427084.0
Man that’s gotta be tough https://t.co/83AAugiVhT— Deep State Potato (@Deep State Potato) 1613432596.0
I thought they were so against cancel culture? https://t.co/IYybjmxplW— Steve Markham (@Steve Markham) 1613485454.0
Tragic. https://t.co/CrlKurWOgz— ⚖️M Osborn, not no bot neither 💛🐝 (@⚖️M Osborn, not no bot neither 💛🐝) 1613448816.0
But Kinzinger was also met with messages of support; some even extended an offer to symbolically join their families.
Dear @RepKinzinger, you have a standing invitation to our house for Thanksgiving. Do you like black beans & ric… https://t.co/x9lpNEc7kj— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@Ana Navarro-Cárdenas) 1613486266.0
My family embraces you, @RepKinzinger for your moral compass and courage. Easter dinner is outdoors this year. We… https://t.co/CtB88r12bB— Jennifer I Don't Lie Horn (@Jennifer I Don't Lie Horn) 1613497444.0
This makes me so sad. We will be your family, @RepKinzinger . Proud of your courage and your integrity. https://t.co/e3ZtFwGZpF— Beth⭐️ (@Beth⭐️) 1613430073.0
Would welcome him to my family but we are divided too. I appreciate Adam’s bravery in the face of the censure and s… https://t.co/MVRfWyGhhC— Merrilee Hall (@Merrilee Hall) 1613427253.0
Oh @RepKinzinger ! After reading that letter, you need a hug. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Just know t… https://t.co/HGXWU4uW1L— adre tartt (@adre tartt) 1613448031.0
In addition to being shunned by his family, Kinzinger was also censured by his state's Republican party.