On January 5, 2024, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, upon former Representatives Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson for their leadership on the House Select Committee that investigated the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The White House lauded their “exemplary deeds of service,” highlighting their “common decency and commitment to serving others.” The award recognized Cheney and Thompson’s dedication to uncovering the truth about the events surrounding the insurrection, a turbulent period marked by deep political divisions and challenges to democratic norms.
Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, and Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, served as Vice Chair and Chair, respectively, of the bipartisan committee. The White House praised Cheney’s courage in speaking out against the attack and defending democratic principles, noting her willingness to “reach across the aisle” despite facing considerable backlash within her own party. Thompson, a veteran civil rights advocate, was commended for his “unwavering integrity” and commitment to upholding the rule of law, drawing a parallel to his early work registering Black voters in the South. The President’s recognition underscored the significance of their collaborative efforts in a highly polarized political climate.
The January 6th Committee, established in July 2021, undertook an 18-month investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Their comprehensive report detailed the events leading up to the breach of the Capitol, including the role played by then-President Donald Trump. The committee interviewed over 1,000 witnesses, reviewed countless documents, and held a series of public hearings that captivated the nation. Their findings culminated in criminal referrals to the Justice Department, recommending charges against Trump and others involved in the effort to overturn the 2020 election results.
The committee’s work drew sharp criticism from Trump and his allies, who accused the committee of being politically motivated and biased. Following the release of the committee’s final report, House Republicans issued their own report alleging that Cheney had tampered with witnesses and that the committee had destroyed evidence. Cheney vehemently denied these allegations, characterizing them as a deliberate attempt to obscure the truth and protect Trump. The contrasting narratives highlighted the deep partisan divide surrounding the January 6th attack and the subsequent investigations.
The awarding of the Presidential Citizens Medal to Cheney and Thompson further inflamed tensions between the two parties. Senator John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, condemned Biden’s decision, accusing Cheney of “partisanship and divisiveness.” He asserted that she did not deserve the honor. This reaction exemplified the ongoing political fallout from the January 6th attack and the enduring divisions within the Republican party regarding Trump’s role in the events.
Despite the controversy, the White House’s recognition of Cheney and Thompson reaffirmed the importance of their work in investigating the January 6th attack. The Presidential Citizens Medal served as a powerful symbol of their commitment to defending democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law in the face of unprecedented challenges. Their bipartisan collaboration stood as a testament to the possibility of finding common ground even in the most divisive of times, emphasizing the enduring importance of truth and accountability in preserving American democracy.
