Special Poll
Biden’s Award to Liz Cheney Sparks Outrage Among Pro-Trump Republicans
President Joe Biden’s decision to award former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor, has drawn sharp criticism from pro-Trump Republicans. The award, which also went to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), acknowledged their leadership in the House investigation into former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack.
The committee, which disbanded in December 2022 after referring Trump for prosecution, has been a lightning rod for Republican backlash. Trump and his allies have harshly criticized its members, with Cheney facing particular ire for her outspoken criticism of Trump and her prominent role in the GOP. In 2021, then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) removed Cheney from party leadership, and she later lost her congressional seat in a primary against a Trump-endorsed challenger.
The medal ceremony reignited Republican condemnation, with Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) stating, “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.”
Fox News also joined the criticism. Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) expressed his disapproval during a segment on Hannity, calling the award offensive. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) echoed the sentiment, describing the recognition as part of Biden’s “bizarro land” presidency and a continuation of the Jan. 6 committee’s propaganda against Trump.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) labeled the awards a “slap in the face” to first responders, soldiers, and others who deserve recognition for their service and sacrifice.
Despite the controversy, Cheney and Thompson were among 20 honorees celebrated at the White House on Thursday. The list included a military doctor who revolutionized battlefield trauma care and a civil rights leader who fought for desegregation, underscoring the diverse contributions recognized during the ceremony.