Biden Honors Key Figures In January 6 Probe And Civil Rights Movement

Man speaking at outdoor campaign event with sunglasses

In a move highlighting national heroes, President Biden will award the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 notable figures at the White House.

At a Glance

20 individuals will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal at a ceremony.
The honor recognizes outstanding civic service and advancement of civil rights.
Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson to be honored for the January 6 Capitol riot investigation.
Other honorees have worked on significant societal contributions, including same-sex marriage.

Recognizing Courageous Leadership

President Biden will present the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals in recognition of their exceptional civic service at a White House ceremony. This prestigious honor highlights individuals who have made considerable sacrifices and contributions to public service. Notably, Liz Cheney, a former Representative from Wyoming, and Representative Bennie G. Thompson are being recognized for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack investigation.

These individuals played pivotal roles in unraveling the incidents surrounding January 6, and the White House acknowledged Cheney’s defense of national ideals such as “freedom, dignity, and decency” while praising Thompson’s “unwavering integrity” in upholding the rule of law.

Biden is giving Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson the Presidential Citizens Medal for leading the Jan. 6 probe, just weeks before Donald Trump returns to the White House https://t.co/OGjNhbhZOX

— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) January 2, 2025

Beyond the January 6 Investigation

The Presidential Citizens Medal, established in 1969 by President Nixon, is the second-highest civilian honor in the U.S. Besides honoring those who played roles in the January 6 investigation, the ceremony recognizes individuals affecting civil rights, women’s rights, and marriage equality. Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson are recognized for advancing same-sex marriage, and Eleanor Smeal is honored for her women’s rights advocacy.

Frank Butler is awarded for his significant advancements in battlefield trauma care for the military, reflecting Biden’s intent to honor various fields. The ceremony also honors posthumous achievements, recognizing Joseph Galloway and Louis Redding, among others, for their groundbreaking legacies. These diverse honorees demonstrate President Biden’s approach to acknowledging critical social contributions.

President Joe Biden is bestowing the second highest civilian medal on Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson—the lawmakers who led the congressional investigation into the violent Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot by Donald Trump’s supporters.https://t.co/iek2ZE85h1 pic.twitter.com/bvmVLvtiVf

— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) January 2, 2025

Controversy and Criticism

Though the recognition ceremony celebrates civic commitment, it also surfaces controversy. Former President Donald Trump, critical of the January 6 committee, believes leaders like Cheney and Thompson should face legal consequences, further polarizing public opinion.

“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps,” remarked Trump on Meet The Press. “Honestly, they should go to jail.”

Amidst this, Biden is rumored to be considering preemptive pardons for those who have been targeted politically. Such measures, if pursued, will likely provoke further debate within conservative circles, which value justice and transparency. As the national conversation continues, the recipients’ exemplary deeds are recognized as striving to propel America towards its foundational ideals.