President Joe Biden awarded the second highest civilian medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, leaders of the congressional investigation into the Capitol riot. This move by Biden was in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s calls for their imprisonment for their roles in the inquiry. The ceremony took place in the East Room and included the honoring of 20 individuals who had made significant contributions to various causes such as marriage equality, treating wounded soldiers, and upholding democracy. Biden praised the recipients for embodying the duties of citizenship that are essential for a great nation.
Cheney, a Republican former Wyoming congresswoman, and Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, led the House committee that investigated the insurrection. The committee’s final report concluded that Trump criminally engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the election results and incited the Capitol attack. Cheney, who lost her seat in the GOP primary, later expressed support for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, earning Trump’s ire. Thompson was recognized for his dedication to safeguarding the Constitution. Trump, who remains adamant in his lies about the 2020 election, has vowed to pardon the rioters once he assumes office on Jan. 20.
During an interview, Trump labeled Cheney, Thompson, and others on the committee as “political thugs” who should go to jail for allegedly deleting and destroying testimony. He criticized their conduct as an embarrassment to the country. Biden also awarded the medal to advocates such as attorney Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, who fought for same-sex marriage rights, as well as individuals who made significant contributions in various fields such as war injury treatment, women’s rights activism, and breast cancer advocacy. The recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding service to the country and their fellow citizens.
Biden posthumously honored individuals like war correspondent Joseph Galloway, civil rights advocate Louis Lorenzo Redding, Delaware judge Collins Seitz, and World War II detainee Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi. These individuals were recognized for their exemplary service and contributions to society. The Presidential Citizens Medal, established by President Richard Nixon, is the country’s second highest civilian honor and recognizes individuals who have performed exceptional deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens. After presenting the awards, Biden called on lawmakers to continue their work and thanked the families of the honorees for their support.
The event highlighted the importance of citizenship and the shared responsibility of upholding democracy. Biden emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to maintain the progress made by the honorees in various fields. The recipients, including former lawmakers and activists, were commended for their dedication to important causes such as women’s rights, gun safety, and climate change. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to society and who embody the values of good citizenship. Biden’s decision to award the medal to Cheney and Thompson despite Trump’s criticism reaffirms the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles.
