President Joe Biden's decision to honor former Representative Liz Cheney with a prestigious civilian award has sparked controversy among Republican leaders.
According to Daily Mail, Biden's announcement to award Presidential Citizens Medals to Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson for their leadership in the January 6 Capitol riot investigation has drawn sharp criticism from GOP figures, who called the move "pathetic" and "repulsive."
The timing of the announcement has particularly intensified the controversy, coming less than 48 hours after the New Year's Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Trump's senior adviser, Jason Miller, publicly questioned the president's priorities, while Fox News Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume criticized the January 6 committee's investigation methods.
Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming expressed strong opposition to the award, stating that Cheney represents partisanship rather than Wyoming values. The White House ceremony, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, will honor a total of 20 recipients, including Americans who fought for marriage equality and civil rights.
Trump's senior adviser, Jason Miller, shared his criticism on social media platform X, stating:
With attacks happening in the United States and around the world, THIS is how Biden is spending his time today?
Fox News Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume offered a scathing assessment of the January 6 committee's work, characterizing it as a one-sided investigation produced like a television show without proper cross-examination of witnesses.
The White House has defended its decision to honor Cheney and Thompson, emphasizing their commitment to defending American ideals. Biden's official statement praised Cheney's two decades of public service and her willingness to work across party lines.
The Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor, recognizes Americans who have demonstrated exemplary service to the country. This year's ceremony follows last year's event, which honored individuals who defended the Capitol during the January 6 riot.
Cheney's relationship with former President Trump has been particularly contentious since she voted for his impeachment and agreed to co-lead the House January 6 Select Committee investigation. The former president has publicly criticized committee members and vowed to pardon January 6 prisoners upon returning to office.
The award ceremony comes at a sensitive time, with just 18 days remaining in Biden's presidency and President-elect Trump preparing to take office. Reports suggest Biden is considering preemptive pardons for Cheney, Thompson, and other January 6 committee members amid concerns about potential targeting during Trump's second term.
The controversy surrounding the awards has highlighted the ongoing political divisions related to the January 6 investigation. While some view the medals as recognition of principled leadership, others see them as politically motivated decisions that ignore more pressing national security concerns.
President Biden's decision to award Presidential Citizens Medals to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson has intensified the political debate surrounding the January 6 investigation. The ceremony, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the White House, will honor 20 recipients despite strong opposition from Republican leaders and criticism over its timing following recent domestic attacks.
The White House maintains its position that the honorees represent American values of freedom, dignity, and decency, while critics argue the awards exemplify partisan politics rather than national unity.
