Biden’s Presidential Citizens Medal Choices Spark Controversy

President Biden’s decision to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson for their January 6 Committee work ignites controversy and criticism.

At a Glance

Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to Cheney and Thompson for January 6 Committee roles.
The medal is the second-highest civilian award in the U.S.
Critics, including Sen. Ted Cruz, accuse Cheney of witness tampering.
Trump denounces Cheney and Thompson, calling for their imprisonment.
The award ceremony faces backlash as a potential political move against Trump.

Biden Honors January 6 Committee Members Amid Controversy

President Joe Biden is set to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals at a White House ceremony, including former Representative Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson for their roles in the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. The Presidential Citizens Medal, established by President Richard Nixon in 1969, is the second-highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing exemplary deeds of service to the country or fellow citizens.

The White House stated, “President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.” This sentiment, however, has not been universally embraced, with critics viewing the awards as a politically motivated gesture.

Criticism and Backlash

The decision to honor Cheney and Thompson has sparked significant controversy, particularly among conservatives. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) voiced his objection on social media, stating, “This is truly unbelievable. Liz Cheney tampered with a witness. Outside of DC, that doesn’t get you a medal; it gets you jail time.” Cruz’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among critics who question the legitimacy of the January 6 Committee’s conduct.

Former President Donald Trump, a central figure in the January 6 investigation, has also expressed his disapproval. Trump accused Cheney and Thompson of misconduct, claiming they “deleted and destroyed” testimony and adding, “Honestly, they should go to jail.” These accusations underscore the deep political divisions surrounding the January 6 Committee’s work and its aftermath.

Political Implications and Public Perception

The award ceremony has been criticized as a political move against Donald Trump, with some observers noting the irony of Biden honoring Cheney, given her past criticism by the left. Journalist Glenn Greenwald highlighted this point, stating, “Having ‘Joe Biden’, as one of his last acts, bestow a presidential medal on Liz Cheney says so much about the value system of the Democratic Party.”

Having "Joe Biden", as one of his last acts, bestow a presidential medal on Liz Cheney says so much about the value system of the Democratic Party.

But what "Biden" said about Cheney — an advocate still of countless views liberals denounce` as fascist — is even more telling: pic.twitter.com/5ILNYS6apj

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 2, 2025

The controversy surrounding the awards has led to speculation about potential ulterior motives. Some have suggested that Cheney might be in line for a pardon from Biden, though there is no concrete evidence to support this claim as of this writing. The House Administration Subcommittee’s referral of Cheney’s case to the FBI has further fueled debates about the propriety of honoring her with such a prestigious award.

The divergent reactions to Biden’s decision highlight the ongoing political polarization in the United States. While supporters view the awards as a recognition of dedication to democratic principles, critics see them as a partisan gesture that overlooks alleged misconduct. The controversy surrounding these awards serves as a reminder of the deep divisions that continue to shape American politics in the aftermath of the January 6 events.