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Biden Awards 2nd Highest Presidential Civilian Award to Trump Critic, Liz Cheney

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WASHINGTON, DC, USA – President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to former Representatives Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson on Thursday, January January 2, 2025, recognising their leadership on the January 6 House Select Committee and their “exemplary deeds of service” in defence of democracy.

The White House cited their “steadfast commitment to truth” and dedication to upholding the rule of law during the investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

The medal is the second-highest civilian honour awarded by the president.

R-Wyo., speaks as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol holds its final meeting on Dec. 19, 2022. Committee Chair Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., is shown at left. | AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Committee Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol holds its final meeting on Dec. 19, 2022. Committee Chair Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., is shown at left. | AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Honouring Their Contributions

Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, served as committee vice chair, while Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, chaired the bipartisan panel.

The White House lauded Cheney for her integrity and bipartisan approach, stating, “Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.”

Thompson was recognised for his lifelong dedication to civil rights and public service, with the White House noting his leadership in the investigation was marked by “unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.”

The January 6 committee was established in July 2021 to investigate the Capitol breach by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

Its work culminated in an 18-month investigation and a referral to the Justice Department recommending criminal charges against Trump.

Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., speaks as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol holds a hearing on June 16, 2022. | AP Photo/Susan Walsh
Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., speaks as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol holds a hearing on June 16, 2022. | AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Republican Backlash

The decision to honour Cheney and Thompson has drawn sharp criticism from Republican leaders and allies of President-elect Trump.

Incoming Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., described the award for Cheney as inappropriate.

“President Biden was either going to pardon Liz Cheney or give her an award. She doesn’t deserve either,” Barrasso said.

“She represents partisanship and divisiveness, not Wyoming.”

Trump has also reiterated his condemnation of Cheney and the committee, accusing them of destroying evidence and engaging in politically motivated investigations.

In a recent interview, Trump suggested Cheney and Thompson “should go to jail” for their actions on the committee.

Former Philadelphia Police Chief Al Schmidt testifies in front of Congress. | Jabin Botsford/Pool via REUTERS/File
Former Philadelphia Police Chief Al Schmidt testifies in front of Congress. | Jabin Botsford/Pool via REUTERS/File

Controversial Allegations

Cheney’s recognition comes amid ongoing Republican-led scrutiny of her role on the January 6 committee.

A report released last month by the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight alleged that Cheney engaged in “potential criminal witness tampering,” particularly in her interactions with former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson.

Cheney has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the report “a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth.”

“All of this testimony was painstakingly set out in thousands of pages of transcripts, made public along with a highly detailed and meticulously sourced 800-page report,” Cheney said.

“The allegations do not reflect a review of the actual evidence and are an attempt to cover up what Donald Trump did.”

Cheney, Harris
Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris walks out with former US representative Liz Cheney during a rally at Ripon College on October 3, 2024 in Ripon, Wisconsin. The rally comes a day after Harris visited Georgia to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. | Jim Vondruska/Getty Images

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