President Joe Biden’s decision to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics accusing the administration of playing politics with one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.
At a Glance
- Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson for their roles in the January 6 Committee
- The award ceremony faces criticism from conservatives, including Senator Ted Cruz
- Questions arise about the political motivations behind the awards
- Ceremony highlights ongoing divide over the events of January 6 and their investigation
Biden’s Controversial Decision
In a move that has drawn both praise and sharp criticism, President Joe Biden has decided to award the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, to former Representative Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson. The award recognizes their roles in the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
The White House defended the decision, stating, “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.” However, this sentiment is not universally shared, particularly among conservative circles.
Not entirely true. Biden is willing to define Liz Cheney as the only acceptable Republican.
The rest of the country, he hatefully derides as “fascists.” https://t.co/OxIB6ZP5AI
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 10, 2022
Backlash from Conservative Figures
The announcement has sparked significant backlash from conservative figures, most notably Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz did not mince words in his criticism, taking to social media to express his disapproval.
“This is truly unbelievable. Liz Cheney tampered with a witness. Outside of DC, that doesn’t get you a medal; it gets you jail time,” Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said.
Cruz’s statement highlights the deep divide that exists over the January 6 Committee’s work and its impact on American politics. The senator’s accusation of witness tampering adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.
Political Implications
The award ceremony has been viewed by some as a political move against former President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of both Cheney and Thompson. Trump has accused the committee members of misconduct.
“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps,” Trump said.
The former president’s strong words underscore the ongoing political tensions surrounding the January 6 investigation and its aftermath. Critics argue that the awards are less about recognizing service and more about scoring political points against Trump and his allies.
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding the Presidential Citizens Medal awards to Cheney and Thompson reflects deeper divisions within American politics. Journalist Glenn Greenwald highlighted the irony of the situation, given Cheney’s past criticism by the left.
“Having ‘Joe Biden’, as one of his last acts, bestow a presidential medal on Liz Cheney says so much about the value system of the Democratic Party,” Journalist Glenn Greenwald said.
