Controversy Erupts Over Biden’s Medal Honors for Cheney and Thompson

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

At a Glance

Biden to award Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson.
The award recognizes their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot investigation.
Critics, including Sen. Ted Cruz, accuse Cheney of witness tampering.
The ceremony is viewed by some as a political move against Donald Trump.
Concerns raised about potential legal implications for Cheney.

Biden’s Controversial Award Ceremony

President Joe Biden’s announcement to award the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, to 20 individuals has sparked a heated debate. Among the recipients are Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson, recognized for their roles in the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. This decision has been met with strong opposition from conservative circles, who view it as a politically motivated move.

The White House has defended the decision, stating, “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.” However, this justification has done little to quell the growing criticism from conservative voices.

Backlash from Conservative Figures

The award ceremony has drawn sharp criticism from prominent conservative figures, most notably Senator Ted Cruz. The Texas Republican voiced his concerns 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.” This accusation stems from allegations that Cheney may have engaged in questionable practices during the January 6 committee’s investigation.

Adding to the controversy, journalist Glenn Greenwald highlighted the irony of Biden’s decision, given Cheney’s past criticism by the left. Greenwald remarked, “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.” This statement underscores the complex political dynamics at play in this situation.

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

Legal Implications and Political Fallout

The controversy surrounding Cheney’s award has taken a more serious turn with the revelation that the House Administration Subcommittee has referred her case to the FBI. This development has fueled speculation about potential legal consequences for Cheney, with some suggesting she might need a pardon from Biden in the future.

“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps.” – Trump

Former President Donald Trump has not remained silent on the matter. He accused Cheney and Thompson of misconduct, claiming they “deleted and destroyed” testimony and adding, “Honestly, they should go to jail.” These accusations, while unsubstantiated, have further intensified the divide between supporters and critics of the January 6 committee’s work.

The Broader Implications

This controversy highlights the ongoing political struggle over how the events of January 6 and their aftermath are perceived and addressed within the broader national discourse. While supporters of the award view it as a recognition of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in government, critics see it as a partisan move that undermines the integrity of such honors.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the fallout from this decision will likely have lasting implications for both the Biden administration and the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal. The controversy serves as a reminder of the deep political divisions that continue to shape American politics in the aftermath of the 2020 election and the January 6 events.