In a move that signals the end of his presidency, Joe Biden prepares to honor key figures who led investigations into the Capitol riot.
According to the Washington Examiner, President Biden has announced his decision to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as the heads of the January 6 committee, along with several other distinguished Americans.
The announcement includes other notable recipients such as Joseph Galloway, author of "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young," Mary Bonauto, a prominent attorney known for her role in the Obergefell v. Hodges case, and former Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd. This diverse group of honorees represents various contributions to American public service and civil rights.
The White House's nomination for Liz Cheney highlighted her two-decade career in public service and her role as Vice Chair of the January 6 committee.
Her nomination specifically emphasized her bipartisan efforts and dedication to defending American ideals. Thompson's nomination focused on his journey from a civil rights activist in segregated Mississippi to his leadership role in Congress and the January 6 committee.
Biden's selection of Thompson and Cheney comes at a significant moment, as it represents one of his final acts as president before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. The timing of these awards carries particular weight given the political context and the recipients' roles in investigating the Capitol riot.
The awards ceremony stands as a pointed statement in light of recent developments, including Cheney's active opposition to Trump's successful 2024 campaign, during which she notably campaigned alongside outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to Trump's Truth Social post:
Liz Cheney could be in a lot of trouble based on the evidence obtained by the subcommittee, which states that 'numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, and these violations should be investigated by the FBI'
The awards announcement comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Cheney's conduct during the committee's investigation. A December report from the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee has recommended an FBI investigation into her actions, particularly regarding alleged witness tampering involving Cassidy Hutchinson.
Recent tensions escalated when Trump suggested Cheney should be sent to a warzone days before the November 5 election, a comment she interpreted as a threat to her safety. These developments add layers of complexity to the medal ceremony's significance.
Despite the January 6 committee's work being viewed as fair by a majority in polls, its findings and recommendations did not significantly impact the 2024 election outcome. Trump's victory in both swing states and the popular vote demonstrates the limited political influence of the committee's conclusions.
The Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony represents Biden's last major acknowledgment of the leadership of the January 6 investigation. This recognition comes at a crucial moment of political transition, highlighting the ongoing divisions in American politics.
The significance of these awards extends beyond individual recognition, reflecting broader themes of public service, democratic principles, and political accountability that have defined Biden's presidency.
