President Joe Biden will award former Congresswoman Liz Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal, a recognition reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the nation.
Cheney, who lost her re-election bid in a landslide, gained national attention as a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and a vice chair of the January 6 House Select Committee. The ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, will also honor other figures tied to the president and his administration.
The decision to recognize Cheney comes amid lingering controversy surrounding her actions during her tenure on the committee. Cheney was criticized for backchannel communications with Cassidy Hutchinson, a witness whose testimony included allegations later found to be inaccurate. These communications occurred without the knowledge of Hutchinson’s attorney, raising ethical questions that have yet to result in legal consequences for Cheney.
Cheney’s collaboration with Vice President Kamala Harris during her failed re-election campaign further underscored her pivot away from traditional Republican allies. Critics argue that her actions, including her public alignment with Democratic figures, reflect a personal agenda rather than bipartisan service. Biden aides are reportedly considering preemptive pardons for Cheney and other individuals, such as Anthony Fauci and Senator Adam Schiff, to shield them from potential inquiries by the incoming Trump administration.
Among the other medal recipients is Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who co-led the January 6 committee with Cheney. Thompson himself has faced scrutiny for objecting to the certification of Ohio’s 2004 presidential election results, despite Senator John Kerry conceding the race. His inclusion in the awards ceremony highlights the administration’s focus on recognizing figures central to recent political narratives.
The ceremony will also honor individuals connected to the push for same-sex marriage, including Mary Bonauto, the attorney who argued the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case before the Supreme Court, and Evan Wolfson, a legal advocate for marriage equality. These selections, alongside others with personal ties to Biden, such as former senators Ted Kaufman, Bill Bradley, and Chris Dodd, have sparked discussions about the blending of political alliances and national recognition.
Cheney’s role on the January 6 committee and her vocal criticism of Trump have polarized opinions about her legacy. While some view her actions as courageous and principled, others question her motivations and the long-term implications of her decisions. Her decision to withhold details about her communication with witnesses, as noted by the New York Post, casts a shadow over the transparency of the committee’s proceedings.
The Presidential Citizens Medal is traditionally awarded to individuals who have contributed significantly to the country’s well-being. However, the inclusion of Cheney and other recipients closely aligned with the Biden administration has fueled concerns about politicizing the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. For many Americans, this ceremony serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining nonpartisan standards in public service.
This latest move by the Biden administration highlights the deep divisions in American politics. Recognizing figures like Cheney reinforces the administration’s alignment with individuals who supported its narratives while raising questions about the criteria for such honors. At a time when trust in government remains fragile, actions like these amplify calls for greater accountability and impartiality in national recognitions.
