During a Fox News segment earlier this week, Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, criticized former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), claiming that her move to align more closely with Democrats was a “gift” to the Republican Party.

Hemingway made the comments while discussing with host Maria Bartiromo the recent decision by President Joe Biden to award Cheney the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Both Hemingway and Bartiromo expressed strong disapproval, arguing that the award was inappropriate due to Cheney’s controversial role as co-chair of the January 6 Committee. They alleged that her work on the committee was not only partisan but also riddled with legal and ethical concerns.

Hemingway further suggested that Cheney’s departure from the Republican Party rid it of “politically toxic” traits associated with her support for “neocon interventionism,” which she claimed was deeply unpopular. “She took her very unpopular, politically toxic ideas with her to the Democrats,” Hemingway remarked, implying that her positions on foreign policy and her approach to the January 6 investigation had alienated her from GOP voters.

Cheney, once a prominent figure in the Republican Party, has faced criticism from former allies for her vocal opposition to former President Donald Trump and her role in investigating the Capitol riot. While her actions have won her praise from Democrats and moderates, they have also fueled ongoing debates about party loyalty and the future direction of the GOP.