President-elect Donald Trump harshly criticized former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) after President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Citizens Medal this week for her role on the controversial January 6 committee. Trump accused Cheney of corruption and unethical behavior, claiming the recognition was politically motivated.
Trump’s Rebuke of Cheney and the January 6 Committee
Trump condemned Cheney as “totally corrupt” and accused her of aiding in a biased investigation against him. “Cheney and the rest of the committee destroyed and deleted all evidence from their crooked investigation of January 6th,” Trump stated. He also highlighted Cheney’s defeat in Wyoming’s congressional race, calling it “the largest margin in history.”
“Biden rewarded her only because she hated ‘TRUMP,’” Trump added, referring to the former congresswoman as a “low-intelligence person” and a “dishonest thug.”
Trump also reiterated his claims that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was responsible for the security failures on January 6, stating, “Nancy Pelosi refused to accept the help which was offered for security. She is responsible, and admitted as much, for all to see, on her daughter’s tape.”
Cheney’s Response
In a sharp retort, Cheney suggested Trump’s rhetoric was akin to that of a communist regime, saying, “Donald, this is not the Soviet Union.” She urged Americans to reject Trump’s “malicious falsehoods” and to uphold constitutional principles as he prepares to take office.
Controversy Surrounding Cheney’s Role
Cheney served as vice chair of the January 6 committee, which was criticized by Trump and others as a partisan effort. Reports have surfaced alleging ethical violations during her time on the committee. According to The Daily Wire, Cheney communicated with Cassidy Hutchinson, the committee’s “star witness,” without the knowledge of Hutchinson’s attorney. Some of Hutchinson’s allegations, heavily publicized during the hearings, were later found to be false.
Despite these controversies, Cheney faced no legal consequences for her actions. Biden aides have reportedly discussed granting Cheney a blanket preemptive pardon to shield her from potential inquiries by the incoming Trump administration.
Biden’s Medal Recipients Raise Questions
The Presidential Citizens Medal is traditionally awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. Alongside Cheney, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who co-chaired the January 6 committee, also received the award. Critics have pointed out Thompson’s own history of protesting election certifications, as he joined Democrats in objecting to Ohio’s results in the 2004 presidential election.
A Politically Charged Gesture
The timing of Biden’s awards has raised eyebrows. Some speculate that honoring Cheney serves as a political jab at Trump while further solidifying Biden’s support for the January 6 investigation’s findings. Others see it as a symbolic rebuke to the America First movement championed by Trump.
As Trump prepares for his January 20 inauguration, his criticism of Cheney and the January 6 committee underscores the deep political divisions that remain. With allegations of corruption and ethical violations swirling around Cheney, the debate over her legacy and Biden’s decision to honor her will likely continue.