Adam Kinzinger says he's not 'courageous' but surrounded by cowards who're scared to speak against Trump

WASHINGTON, DC: Former representative Adam Kinzinger from Illinois ripped into Donald Trump on Tuesday, September 3, and slammed fellow Republicans' reluctance to speak out against him.

Kinzinger, known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, said his actions aren't necessarily courageous but a response to the silence of others in his party.

Adam Kinzinger calls other Republican lawmakers 'cowards'

During an interview with Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' Adam Kinzinger was asked if other GOP lawmakers share his views on Donald Trump and MAGA politics but choose to remain silent.

Kinzinger responded affirmatively. “Oh, there’s so many of them,” he said.

“And that’s the thing, is like, people will tell me sometimes, ‘Adam, you’re courageous.’ And I appreciate it. I’m not courageous, though. I’m surrounded by cowards,” Kinzinger added, receiving a loud cheer from the audience.

Kinzinger was one of ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He also served as one of two Republicans on the select committee investigating the events of that day along with former representative Liz Cheney.

His vocal opposition to Trump and the current direction of the Republican Party has made him a distinctive figure within the GOP, The Hill notes.

Adam Kinzinger believes Donald Trump has 'built a cult' say he crossed 'red line' in Arlington 

Adam Kinzinger, a veteran, also expressed his disapproval of Donald Trump’s actions, particularly at Arlington Cemetery.

When Kimmel questioned him about how the incident affected him as a veteran, Kinzinger said, "That is a red line you can't cross."

"You cannot politicize fallen American soldiers come hell or high water. That is a red line you can't cross," he said.

"He crossed it happily. And he's defending himself and...going after the worker that one of his people shoved. And that is just so beneath the presidency," Kinzinger added.

Kinzinger further elaborated on the strong following Trump has cultivated, describing it as a "cult."

He said he was surprised by how many of his friends and family members turned against him after he spoke out.

“This is what’s happening to families all around this country, is they’re being torn apart for a man that is more flawed than anybody that’s ever sat in the Oval Office,” Kinzinger said on the show.

Kinzinger also mentioned his expectations about his colleague Liz Cheney becoming even more vocal in her opposition to Trump, given her commitment to preventing him from regaining office.

“But there are so many people I talk to that are sitting around like, ‘I just can’t speak out,’” he said. “They’re scared,” Kinzinger added, reflecting on the fear that keeps many Republicans silent.

Adam Kinzinger called 'patriot' for speaking against Donald Trump

Adam Kinzinger remarks drew mixed reactions online. Even as some called him a patriot and true American for speaking out Republicans said he indeed was a coward for turning against Trump.

One user on YouTube commented, "Amazing that he said he is not a hero, he is simply surrounded by a bunch of cowards."

Another wrote, "Adam Kinzinger, the definition of country over party!" A third person noted, "Respect Adam Kinzinger, you are a patriot and it's the Republican party's loss. There should be more politicians like you."

However, not all comments were positive. "Well he's right he's not courageous," a Republican supporter reacted on X. "You are the coward," wrote another. One more commented, "Anti-Trumpers are a dime a dozen."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.