Published: January 2, 2025, 10:04h.
Last updated on: January 2, 2025, 10:04h.
President Joe Biden will present the Presidential Citizens Medal to former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) at the White House on Thursday evening.
President Biden plans to acknowledge the two individuals who led the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Former President Donald Trump has criticized Cheney and threatened members of the January 6th committee.
At 5 p.m. today, Biden will award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Cheney and Thompson, the second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Presidential Citizens Medal was established by President Richard Nixon in 1969 to recognize citizens who have performed exemplary service for their country or fellow citizens. Recent recipients have included activists, athletes, first responders, and volunteers.
Pardon Chances
President Biden is nearing the end of his term, with 18 days left. He continues to issue pardons and awards as he concludes his long career in Washington, D.C.
Recently, Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, sparking controversy. He also pardoned his son Hunter for offenses from 2014 to 2024, facing scrutiny for his actions.
With Trump threatening to prosecute those he feels wronged him after the 2020 election, there is speculation that Cheney may be pardoned as Biden leaves office.
Trump criticized Cheney, Thompson, and the committee members, calling them “political thugs” on NBC’s “Meet the Press” last month. He suggested they should be jailed.
Biden, however, disagrees and is recognizing the J6 Committee’s work in investigating the Capitol riot. By awarding Cheney and Thompson the Presidential Citizens Medal, there is a possibility of federal legal immunity for their efforts.
On Kalshi and Polymarket, online political betting platforms, Cheney has odds of 13% and 12%, respectively, for receiving a pardon. Thompson’s odds are not listed on either site.
Biden’s older brother, Jim Biden, has the highest odds at 20% of receiving a pardon. Some believe that the Trump Justice Department may investigate Jim’s past business dealings and any potential involvement by the former president.
Trump Asserts Authority as Chief Law Enforcement Officer
During his appearance on “Meet the Press,” Trump claimed he has the right to pursue his political adversaries as the chief law enforcement officer of the country.
“I’m the president, I have absolute authority…but I’m not interested in that,” Trump stated.