President Joe Biden is set to bestow the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor, to several individuals, including former Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Congressman Bennie Thompson. These two were pivotal in leading the congressional investigation into the violent January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Their actions have been a point of contention, particularly with former President Donald Trump, who has publicly stated that they and other members of the committee should face legal consequences.
The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to their country, and Biden’s choices for this year include a mix of political figures, activists, and military heroes. In addition to Cheney and Thompson, Biden will also recognize individuals like Mary Bonauto, who fought for same-sex marriage, and Frank Butler, a pioneer in advancing life-saving medical practices for wounded soldiers. Other honorees include Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam War nurse who founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, and Eleanor Smeal, a leader in the women’s rights movement.
In a statement, the White House emphasized that these individuals have “served with decency and a commitment to others,” and that the nation is stronger because of their contributions. This includes those who stood firm in defending the integrity of the 2020 election, when Trump made repeated attempts to overturn the results.
Trump, who is poised to return to office in 2025, has made clear his intention to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 events once he takes office, a stark contrast to Biden’s decision to honor those who investigated it. Trump has not only criticized Cheney and Thompson but has also labeled the January 6 committee as a “political witch hunt,” accusing them of falsifying evidence.
The Presidential Citizens Medal, first established by President Richard Nixon in 1969, recognizes those who have performed “exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens.” While Biden’s selections may be controversial, they underscore his administration’s commitment to rewarding those who have fought for what they view as justice, even as it continues to deepen the political divide in the country.
For Republicans, this moment serves as a stark reminder of the ideological rift in Washington, with figures like Cheney, once a prominent Republican leader, now celebrated by the current Democratic administration for her role in opposing Trump’s narrative of election fraud. Meanwhile, Trump’s insistence on pardoning January 6 participants speaks to his commitment to defending his supporters, creating a complex and deeply polarized political landscape.