President Joe Biden prepares to honor the leadership of the January 6 congressional investigation with one of the nation's highest civilian distinctions.
According to the New York Post, Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, who spearheaded the House committee investigation into the Capitol riot, will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal during a White House ceremony on Thursday.
The award ceremony will recognize 20 distinguished Americans, including the two lawmakers who led the extensive probe into the violent January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Biden's decision to honor Cheney and Thompson comes amid escalating tensions, as former President Donald Trump has publicly called for their imprisonment.
Trump's criticism of the committee leaders has grown increasingly hostile since their investigation concluded. During a recent NBC "Meet the Press" appearance, he accused them of destroying evidence and labeled committee members as "political thugs and creeps." The former president's statements reflect his ongoing rejection of the 2020 election results and his promise to pardon the January 6 rioters upon taking office.
These developments occur against the backdrop of reports suggesting Biden is contemplating preemptive pardons for Cheney and others targeted by Trump. The situation highlights the continuing political divide surrounding the Capitol riot investigation and its aftermath.
Trump stated on NBC:
Cheney did something that's inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps.
The White House emphasized the recipients' shared qualities in a statement:
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.
The ceremony will also recognize notable figures, including Mary Bonauto, who fought for same-sex marriage legalization, and Evan Wolfson, a prominent marriage equality advocate. Additional honorees include Vietnam War nurse Diane Carlson Evans, women's rights activist Eleanor Smeal, and former lawmakers Bill Bradley, Nancy Kassebaum, and Carolyn McCarthy.
The Presidential Citizens Medal, established by President Richard Nixon in 1969, stands as the nation's second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to their country and fellow citizens.
The White House will also posthumously honor several distinguished Americans, including war correspondent Joseph Galloway, civil rights advocate Louis Lorenzo Redding, and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who challenged Japanese American detention during World War II.
Biden's selection of recipients continues his pattern of recognizing individuals who defended democratic institutions during and after the 2020 election. Last year's ceremony focused on honoring those who protected the Capitol and safeguarded voter integrity during the contested election period.
The Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony represents a significant moment in recognizing the work of the January 6 committee leadership. Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson will receive the nation's second-highest civilian honor for their roles in investigating the Capitol riot and defending democratic institutions.
The ceremony, scheduled for Thursday at the White House, will honor 20 distinguished Americans who have demonstrated exceptional service to their country amid ongoing political tensions and criticism from former President Trump.
