U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to award the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, to 20 individuals during a ceremony at the White House on Thursday. This significant recognition will include Congressman Bennie Thompson and former Congresswoman Elizabeth Cheney, both of whom played pivotal roles in the congressional investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The January 6 committee, chaired by Thompson and with Cheney as vice chair, investigated the violent mob’s attempt to halt the certification of Biden’s 2020 election victory over Donald Trump. Their efforts were part of a broader examination into the events leading up to and during the insurrection, aiming to shed light on the actions of Trump and his allies in relation to the attack.
This honor comes at a politically charged time as Donald Trump, who secured victory in the 2024 presidential election and is due to begin his new term later this month, has repeatedly criticized Thompson and Cheney. Trump has gone as far as to suggest that they should be imprisoned for their involvement in the committee’s work, accusing them, without evidence, of misconduct.
The White House has emphasized that the Presidential Citizens Medal is bestowed upon Americans who have “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” For Cheney and Thompson, this recognition highlights their commitment to defending democratic processes and the rule of law in the face of significant political backlash.
Besides Cheney and Thompson, other recipients include figures from diverse backgrounds who have contributed significantly to American society, such as Mary Bonauto, who fought for marriage equality, and various civil rights leaders, war correspondents, and veterans.
This ceremony not only acknowledges individual contributions but also underscores the ongoing debate over the January 6 events and their implications for American democracy. It reflects a moment of recognition for those who have stood against what they perceive as threats to democratic principles, amid a backdrop of political division and controversy over the committee’s findings and Trump’s persistent denials of the election results.
