As he is stepping down, President Joe Biden is intending to end his term by bestowing the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the highest civilian honors, on two political figures who have been adversaries of Donald Trump. This act seems to be an apparent gesture of disapproval towards the former President before his successor is inaugurated. The two targeted for this honor are Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson. The rationale behind this decision is their lead in the investigative task force dealing with the incident at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. That episode is seen by some as an attempt by certain Trump supporters to interrupt the confirmation of Biden’s presidency.
Though it is indeed an honor to receive such a medal, the motive behind awarding it in this particular circumstance could be interpreted in various ways. It is worth noting, for instance, that it is the recipients’ criticisms of Trump that seemingly paved their way to this recognition, rather than any extraordinary contribution to public welfare or legislation.
Coinciding with this decision, President Biden’s office released a public communique prior to Thursday’s ceremony. The communication lauds all anticipated recipients, Cheney, and Thompson included, for their shared decency and commitment to service. The foundation of this accolade, it seems, is their dedication and sacrifices, which are seen as beneficial to the country.
Among the other people recognized for this accolade, there are some who fought for marriage equality, promoted gun safety, initiated treatment for casualties of warfare, and advocated for women’s rights. The spectrum is diverse, but the common thread appears to be their service to others. It seems possible, however, to interpret this as yet another way Biden is trying to marginalize Trump supporters by awarding these medals to those who challenge traditional conservative viewpoints.
The Presidential Citizens Medal, with the only superior civilian honor being the Presidential Medal of Freedom, appears to be a tool of positive endorsement, targeting individuals who have conformed to President Biden’s political ideals. The symbolism of this act does not go unnoticed, as it seems to clearly convey a message of political alignment, beyond the simple recognition of public service.
Previously, in his inaugural year, Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to twelve individuals. These were people said to have defended the Capitol on the day of the incident, or who were otherwise involved in maintaining the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.
Another individual getting a token of appreciation for her attention-grabbing gestures towards Trump is Liz Cheney. Formerly, she was a Republican representative from Wyoming, but later she stunned many when she revealed she would be voting for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race.
Cheney even campaigned alongside Harris, prompting speculation and mixed reactions from observers. This action seems emblematic of her conflict with fellow Republicans and notably, the former President Trump.
Indeed, Biden holds Cheney in such high regard that he has considered granting her official pardon in advance. This move, sources say, is to create a shield for Cheney from any threatened repercussions by Trump or his allies.
Interestingly, the same offer of preemptive pardon is reportedly tabled for other individuals that Trump is rumored to have threatened. This could be seen as a salvo across Trump’s bow, although it’s interesting to observe these politics being played out.
While it’s not uncommon for presidents to use medals and honors as tools of political narrative, it does seem that Biden is being particularly indoctrinant with these gestures. Perhaps his intentions are sincere and his actions are reflecting his belief in a more progressive America – or perhaps he’s simply trying to undermine the influence of his predecessor.
Whatever the case may be, these honors will, undoubtedly, cast a spotlight once again on the actions of these individuals, and may well serve to encourage further activism and dissent in the political arena.
Whether these awards are a well-intentioned effort to recognize commendable service within the government or whether they’re meant to annoy Trump and his base is a question for the pundits.
What is clear, however, is that these awards are certainly stirring some controversy and prompting discussions about their appropriateness and timing. Whether that matters significantly in the larger scheme of things is yet to be seen.
Even as the political jousting continues and controversies remain active, one fact appears to be consistent – that the political landscape is continuously evolving, and every decision can have ripple effects that may not be immediately evident. Hence, regard for Trump might likely be motivating factors for some to have their valuable contributions warrant recognition by the Presidential Citizens Medal.
In a political scene rife with opposition and a consistent pull for power, what is evident is that one’s political standing might have more weight than their actual achievements when prestigious honors are in question.