Debate Erupts Over Presidential Medal Given to January 6 Leaders

Man speaking with American flags in background

President Biden’s decision to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson sparks controversy and criticism.

At a Glance

President Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson for January 6 Committee roles.
The award is the second-highest civilian honor in the U.S.
Critics, including Sen. Ted Cruz, accuse Cheney of witness tampering.
The ceremony is viewed by some as a political move against Donald Trump.
Controversy surrounds the recognition of Cheney’s actions on the committee.

Biden Honors January 6 Committee Leaders

President Joe Biden has ignited a firestorm of debate by awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi. The prestigious honor, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was bestowed upon the pair for their leadership roles in the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.

The White House ceremony, which included 20 recipients in total, has been met with mixed reactions from political figures and the public alike. While supporters view the award as recognition for upholding democratic principles, critics see it as a politically motivated gesture against former President Donald Trump.

Controversy Surrounding the Awards

The decision to honor Cheney and Thompson has not been without its detractors. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has been particularly vocal in his criticism, accusing Cheney of witness tampering during the committee’s investigation.

“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.” – Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Cruz’s comments reflect a wider sentiment among conservatives who view the January 6 Committee’s work as politically motivated rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. The House Administration Subcommittee has referred Cheney’s case to the FBI, further fueling the controversy surrounding her actions during the investigation.

Political Implications and Reactions

The award ceremony has been interpreted by some as a clear political statement against former President Trump. Journalist Glenn Greenwald highlighted the irony of Biden awarding Cheney, given her past criticism by the left.

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

Trump himself has been vocal in his criticism of Cheney and Thompson, accusing them of misconduct without providing evidence. He claimed that they “deleted and destroyed” testimony and suggested they “should go to jail.” These accusations, while unsubstantiated, have further polarized opinions on the awards.

The Significance of the Presidential Citizens Medal

Created by President Richard Nixon in 1969, the Presidential Citizens Medal is intended to recognize individuals who have “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” The White House defended the decision to honor Cheney and Thompson, stating that these Americans are “bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others.”

While the ceremony was intended to honor those who put “the American people over party,” the controversy surrounding the awards underscores the deep political divisions that continue to shape American politics. As the debate rages on, the Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding the events of January 6 and their aftermath.