When President Joe Biden presented the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal to former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., and Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., it was meant to honor their work on the Jan. 6 investigation. Instead, it lit a political firestorm.
A Divisive Decision
This recognition, the second-highest civilian award a president can grant, came as a nod to their leadership in the House investigation into Donald Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol attack. The committee they led ultimately recommended criminal charges against Trump before disbanding in late 2022.
But not everyone saw the award as a moment of bipartisan respect. Pro-Trump Republicans erupted in anger, accusing Cheney of betrayal and branding the Jan. 6 investigation as a partisan witch hunt.
GOP Fury: Cheney in the Crosshairs
Liz Cheney, once a prominent Republican voice, has long been a target for her outspoken criticism of Trump. After being ousted from GOP leadership in 2021 by Kevin McCarthy and losing her seat in 2022 to a Trump-backed challenger, Cheney’s return to the spotlight reignited simmering tensions.
Wyoming’s Republican Senator John Barrasso didn’t mince words:
“Biden was either going to pardon Liz Cheney or give her an award. She doesn’t deserve either.”
Ouch.
Even Fox News joined the backlash. Hosting Hannity, former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, didn’t hide his disapproval.
“I don’t know how you feel, but I was offended that President Biden gave the second-highest medal of honor—well, not the Medal of Honor, but an award honoring Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson.”
“Bizarro Land” or Bold Leadership?
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., chimed in with his critique, calling Biden’s decision “highly offensive” and dismissing the Jan. 6 committee’s work as mere propaganda.
“This is just one more piece of icing on Biden’s disastrous presidency cake.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., labeled the move a “slap in the face” to first responders, soldiers, and community heroes who, in his view, were more deserving of the recognition.
More Than Just Politics
Lost in the controversy, though, were the other honorees celebrated alongside Cheney and Thompson. Among them were a military doctor who revolutionized battlefield trauma care and a civil rights leader who fought tirelessly for desegregation.
The Bigger Picture
While the awards ceremony was meant to highlight courage, service, and sacrifice, it’s clear that in today’s polarized political climate, even medals can stir up drama. Whether you see this as a bold stand or a divisive move, one thing is certain: Liz Cheney’s political journey continues to spark debate.
So, what do you think? Is this recognition deserved, or does it deepen political divides? Let the conversation begin.
