Unexpectedly, Democrats have gained a new supporter in the form of former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, who was once widely seen as a villain by many on the left.

On Friday, Cheney declared, “Throughout our nation’s 248-year history, no one has posed a greater risk to our republic than Donald Trump. He attempted to overturn the previous election, using deceit and violence to remain in power after being rejected by the voters. He must never hold power again. As citizens, we have a responsibility to prioritize our country over party loyalty to uphold the Constitution. That’s why I will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris.”

Cheney’s tenure as vice president saw him as a vocal supporter of the Iraq War during George W. Bush’s presidency. He criticized former President Barack Obama for his foreign policy and national security, famously labeling him the “worst president of my lifetime.” Cheney even questioned the Republican credentials of former Secretary of State Colin Powell for endorsing Obama.

Cheney backed Trump’s successful bid for the presidency in 2016 but lost trust in him after the January 6, 2021 insurrection, labeling Trump a “coward” in a campaign ad for his daughter.

Kamala Harris’ campaign quickly expressed gratitude for Cheney’s support, with campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon stating that Harris “greatly admires his bravery in putting the country above party lines.”

This political alliance marks a surprising moment in American history, as notable Republican families have chosen to either support the Democratic nominee or refrain from voting altogether to prevent their party’s nominee from regaining power.

Cheney, who held the vice presidency from 2001 to 2009 and has been part of previous Republican administrations as well as Congress, once represented the essence of the conservative movement. His public support for Harris stands out, especially since only one former member of a Republican presidential ticket, Sarah Palin, has openly declared support for Trump in the upcoming November elections.

Other notable figures including former president George W. Bush, former vice president Mike Pence, former White House chief of staff John Kelly, and Utah Senator Mitt Romney, the GOP presidential candidate in 2012, have not endorsed Trump for a second term but also have not backed Harris.

None of them spoke at the Republican National Convention held in July.

Liz Cheney, former Representative from Wyoming and Dick Cheney’s daughter, announced earlier that her father would join her in supporting Harris. Liz played a significant role in leading the House Committee that investigated the January 6 insurrection. This committee concluded that Trump’s false assertions about winning the 2020 election incited violence and that he did not act to halt the rioters.

Trump reacted on social media, referring to the former vice president as a “Republican in Name Only.”

“He’s the King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars, wasting Lives and Trillions of Dollars, just like Comrade Kamala Harris,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “I am the Peace President, and I am the only one who will prevent World War III!” He also reiterated his previous calls for Liz Cheney to face prosecution for her work on the House committee.

The Democrats appear somewhat uncertain about how to manage their coalition, which now ranges from far-left progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to a figure they once deemed a formidable adversary.

“I’m not accustomed to agreeing with one Cheney, let alone two, but I continue to hold Liz Cheney in high regard for prioritizing the nation over party interests,” Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) expressed on X, previously known as Twitter. “Her endorsements highlight the serious threat posed by Donald Trump, especially at a time when so few Republicans exhibit the courage to acknowledge the same.”