Biden Honors Jan. 6 Committee Heroes with Presidential Citizens Medal – A Historic Moment You Can’t Miss

Former Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi were among the individuals President Biden recognized during a ceremony at the White House.

By Sheenu Gupta On Jan 3, 2025 Share with new partner:

On Thursday, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Citizens Medal to Representative Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, and former Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, during a ceremony at the White House. Thompson and Cheney served as the chair and vice chair, respectively, of the now-dissolved House committee tasked with investigating the events surrounding the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Their leadership in uncovering the facts and safeguarding democratic values was instrumental in the committee’s work.

The Presidential Citizens Medal, which recognizes extraordinary contributions to public service, is the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, ranking just below the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. This recognition highlights the significance of Thompson and Cheney’s bipartisan efforts to uphold democracy and their dedication to protecting the integrity of American institutions.

During the awards ceremony, President Joe Biden commended the honorees for their courage and integrity during a challenging period in American history. Addressing the recipients, he stated, “You are elected officials who served in difficult times with honor, decency, and ensured our democracy delivers.” His remarks underscored the vital role these individuals played in upholding democratic values during tumultuous times.

Among those recognized were Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and former Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Their inclusion comes amid a tense political backdrop, as former President Donald Trump, now President-elect, has threatened retribution against former members of the House Jan. 6 committee. This committee conducted an extensive 18-month investigation into Trump’s actions leading up to and during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, making Thompson and Cheney’s recognition particularly significant.

Reflecting on the importance of democracy and public service, Biden remarked, “I think it’s pretty damn simple. Our democracy begins and ends with the duties of citizenship. That’s our work for the ages. That’s what all of you — and I mean this — all of you embody.” His words celebrated the honorees’ commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions and their dedication to the responsibilities of public service.

During the ceremony, an announcer called out the names of each recipient as President Joe Biden personally presented them with the Presidential Citizens Medal. The room erupted into loud and sustained applause, culminating in a standing ovation when the announcer introduced former Representative Liz Cheney. Cheney was recognized “for putting the American people over party,” a tribute to her unwavering commitment to democratic principles even in the face of significant political challenges.

Shortly after, Representative Bennie Thompson received a similar standing ovation as he was honored with a medal for “his lifelong dedication to safeguarding our Constitution.” In his statement following the ceremony, Thompson expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying he was “honored” to receive the medal. He emphasized his “unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending democracy,” values that guided his work on the House Jan. 6 committee.

Although Cheney did not issue a statement, the recognition of both lawmakers highlighted their central roles in the committee’s 18-month investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and the actions of then-President Donald Trump. Neither Cheney nor Thompson delivered remarks during the ceremony.

In a December interview with Meet the Press, Trump criticized the committee and its members, including the only two Republicans on the panel, Cheney and former Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. Trump went as far as to suggest that former committee members “should go to jail,” underscoring the polarizing nature of the committee’s work and its findings.

In the same interview, former President Donald Trump outlined his intention to pardon individuals convicted for their participation in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol if reelected. His remarks drew sharp criticism and reignited debates over accountability and justice in the aftermath of the insurrection.

Trump also escalated his rhetoric against the members of the now-dissolved House Jan. 6 committee, suggesting that they should face imprisonment for their work investigating his role in the attack. This inflammatory statement was met with a strong rebuttal from Representative Bennie Thompson, the committee’s former chair.

Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill in December, Thompson dismissed the idea, firmly stating that the committee had operated fully within the bounds of the law. “The committee did nothing that violates the law,” he asserted, defending the panel’s work as a lawful and necessary effort to uncover the truth behind the events of that day and to hold those responsible accountable. Thompson’s remarks underscored his confidence in the integrity of the committee’s investigation, despite Trump’s threats and ongoing political polarization surrounding the issue.

Following Donald Trump’s remarks during his Meet the Press interview, former Representative Liz Cheney issued a pointed and lengthy statement condemning the president-elect’s comments. Cheney criticized Trump for suggesting that members of Congress who investigated his actions during the January 6, 2021, attack should face imprisonment. She called his remarks a continuation of his efforts to undermine the rule of law and democratic principles.

“Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of Congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic,” Cheney stated. Her response highlighted the broader implications of Trump’s rhetoric, which she argued posed a direct threat to the stability of American democracy.

Meanwhile, House Republicans have also targeted Cheney for her prominent role on the January 6 committee. Representative Barry Loudermilk of Georgia has called for an investigation into Cheney’s actions, accusing her of engaging in witness tampering during the committee’s 18-month investigation. These allegations reflect the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, where Cheney’s outspoken criticism of Trump and her participation in the committee have made her a polarizing figure.

Thompson has indicated that he would be open to accepting a pre-emptive pardon from President Biden, should the president choose to offer one before leaving office.

In a statement to CNN last month, Representative Bennie Thompson acknowledged that he would accept a pre-emptive pardon from President Biden, should the president decide to offer one. “It’s [Biden’s] prerogative. If he offers it to me or other members of the committee … I would accept it, but it’s his choice,” Thompson said.

According to two sources familiar with the discussions, President Biden and his senior aides have considered the possibility of issuing pre-emptive pardons for individuals who might face retaliation or legal targeting under a future Trump administration.

Thompson and former Representative Liz Cheney were among more than a dozen individuals recognized by Biden at Thursday’s Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony. Other honorees included former Senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut, Bill Bradley of New Jersey, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas, and Ted Kaufman of Delaware, reflecting a broad acknowledgment of public service across various fields.

The ceremony also recognized a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to various causes. Several veterans were honored for their dedicated service to the nation, alongside activists who have championed marriage equality, women’s rights, and civil rights. These honorees were celebrated for their tireless efforts to advance equality, justice, and social progress, with their work positively impacting the lives of many across the country. Their recognition reflects a broad acknowledgment of their lifelong commitment to upholding the values that define American democracy.