President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, to former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and several others.
The ceremony, held at the White House, aimed to recognize individuals for their contributions to the country, but Cheney’s inclusion has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans.
Cheney was honored for her service in Congress and her role as vice chair of the controversial House Select Committee that investigated the events of January 6, 2021.
During the announcement, she was lauded “for putting the American people over party,” prompting a standing ovation from those in the East Room.
The White House praised Cheney for defending the “ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency.”
President Biden commended her and other honorees for their “willingness to see each other not as enemies, but as fellow Americans.”
Cheney, once a rising star in the GOP and the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, has become a polarizing figure within the party.
Though she voted for Donald Trump in 2020, her outspoken criticism of him following the January 6 Capitol breach and her participation in the committee investigating the incident alienated many Republican voters.
Cheney lost her seat in 2022 to a Trump-backed challenger, further cementing her fall from grace within the GOP.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), a prominent Republican from Cheney’s home state, lambasted Biden’s decision to honor her, saying, “Biden was either going to pardon Liz Cheney or give her an award. She doesn’t deserve either. She represents partisanship and divisiveness — not Wyoming.”
Many Republicans have echoed similar sentiments, accusing Cheney of betraying her party to fuel partisan discord.
Cheney’s inclusion in the awards ceremony alongside Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the chair of the January 6 committee, has further inflamed criticism.
Thompson, celebrated for his “lifelong dedication to safeguarding our Constitution,” was honored for his leadership during the committee’s investigation.
The committee itself has been a lightning rod for Republican ire, with many viewing it as a politically motivated effort to undermine Trump’s presidency and influence.
Cheney is ammunition for democrats, a party she despised for years. Does she realize they are just using her? They will toss her to the curb when she is no longer a PR tool for their side. Receiving an award from Biden is humorous.
Traitor is an apt description of Cheney. She is one sick puppy! And she has committed illegal acts. Road is going to get rough for her in the very near future!
Surely it cheapens the award when given to an anti American that tried to take down the country with lies about Jan. 6.