Biden to Honor January 6th Committee Heads with Presidential Citizen Medal
In the final stretch of his presidency, Joe Biden has been actively issuing pardons and awards, one of which is the Presidential Citizens Medal. This prestigious honour, created by President Richard Nixon in 1969, recognises citizens who perform exceptional deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens.
On January 2, 2025, President Biden will present the medal to former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS). The presentation comes as a nod to their roles in spearheading the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Biden's decision to honour Cheney and Thompson has sparked debate, particularly given the ongoing investigations into the Capitol attack. Some argue that the award could hint at potential federal legal immunity for their work, while others question the implications of such a move.
Meanwhile, Trump, who has been a vocal critic of the January 6th committee and its members, has threatened to punish those involved. He has regularly condemned Cheney and has suggested that she and other committee members should face prosecution for their work.
Interestingly, political wagering exchanges such as Kalshi and Polymarket suggest that Cheney has a 13% chance of being pardoned. However, it's important to note that these odds do not indicate any official information or guarantee of a pardon.
Trump, during his "Meet the Press" appearance, claimed he has "the absolute right" to go after his political foes. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, he stated that he's not interested in going after his political adversaries, despite his claims to the contrary.
The pardons issued by Biden have not been without controversy. Last month, he caused a stir by commuting the death sentences for 37 inmates on federal death row. Additionally, Biden pardoned his son Hunter for all offenses he may or may not have committed between Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024. This decision added to the scrutiny surrounding the use of presidential pardons.
As the end of Biden's presidency approaches, the honours and pardons he has issued serve as a testament to his political decisions and the ongoing debates surrounding them. The awarding of the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson is a significant event, one that will undoubtedly continue to spark discussions in the days to come.
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