Biden To Give Liz Cheney The Presidential Citizens Medal As She Continues To Sustain Attacks From Trump, Republicans

President Joe Biden is awarding former Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney and Mississippi Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson the Presidential Citizens Medal—the second-highest civilian honor in the United States— for leading the congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has condemned both awardees, stating they should be jailed.

"The recognition from Biden and threats from Trump remind us that the US remains deeply polarized and that Democrats and Republicans have different views of critical recent events like January 6," Donald Nieman, historian and author of The Path to Paralysis: How Our Politics Became Nasty, Dysfunctional and a Threat to the Republic, told the Latin Times.

White House Ceremony

Biden presented the awards to Cheney, Thompson, and more than a dozen other recipients at a White House ceremony on Thursday. The President commemorated Cheney's 20 years in public service, saying the Republican has used her voice to "defend our Nation." Similarly, Thompson was regarded for serving "at the forefront of defending the rule of law."

Congressional Riot Investigation

Thompson and Cheney served as chair and vice chair of the House committee in charge of investigating the riot. Under their lead, the panel conducted various public hearings, interviewed witnesses, and gathered extensive investigation material.

After 18 months, the committee suggested that Trump failed to stop the rioters from attacking the Capitol and voted to refer him for criminal prosecution.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Cheney, a longtime Republican, joined a group of conservatives endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, citing Trump's role in the riot. "The most conservative of conservative values is fidelity to our constitution," she said in her October announcement.

Trump's Reactions to Riot and Investigation

Trump has repeatedly defended the rioters, in some cases claiming "they had no choice" but to attack the officers going against them. The Republican President-elect has also attacked Cheney and other members of the congressional investigation, claiming--without evidence--that they destroyed key evidence.

"Honestly, they should go to jail," he said during an interview with NBC in December. However, when asked if he would direct the Department of Justice or FBI to pursue charges against them, he replied, "No, not at all. I think that they'll have to look at that."

"They have no evidence to rebut the methodical forensic work of the January 6 Committee," Nieman told the Latin Times. "So denial, bluster, claims that the investigation was stacked, and threats of prosecution is all Trump has--Fortunately, the work of the committee was solid, is widely available and easy to understand, and will stand the test of time and threats of prosecution."

Trump has also stated that he would "most likely" issue pardons to some of the convicted rioters. He pledged to evaluate each case individually starting on "day one" of his presidency. According to the Guardian, more than 1,250 people have been convicted or pleaded guilty in the January 6 riot. At least 645 people have received federal prison sentences.

Public Opinion on Pardons

Critics of Trump's plans to pardon rioters claim that doing so could normalize violence as a legitimate solution to political grievances, adding that it could also embolden extremist groups. Judge Trevor McFadden, a federal judge appointed by Trump, has said mass pardons would be "beyond frustrating and disappointing."

While polls show a majority of Americans oppose the proposed riot pardons, there are some who support the decision. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) being one of them. Back in December, Schmitt told Politico the event was unfairly covered by "the media," emphasizing a need to distinguish between violent and nonviolent offenders.

Preemptive Protections for Riot Investigation Leaders

Earlier this month multiple sources told CBS News that Biden is considering blanket preemptive pardons for prominent Trump critics, including Cheney and other unnamed members of the Jan. 6 investigation committee.