In a recent move that has stirred comments across the political spectrum, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, a former U.S. Representative from Wyoming, and Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, both lawmakers who played significant roles in the House Jan. 6 Select Committee, which investigated the Capitol unrest of 2021.

The decision to honor Cheney and Thompson has led to a wave of criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and supporters such as Sen. John Barrasso, as Townhall.com reports.

On Jan. 4, President Biden recognized Cheney and Thompson for their contributions as members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee.

Cheney served as vice-chair of the committee, while Thompson was the chairman. The honors were bestowed as a tribute to their commitment to investigating the events surrounding the Capitol protests on Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump Criticizes Cheney's Award

Former President Trump has been vocal in his disapproval of Biden's decision to award Cheney with the medal. Trump labeled the committee as the "Unselect Committee" and has continued to discredit its work and findings.

He directly criticized Cheney by referencing her significant loss in the August 2022 Republican primary to Rep. Harriet Hageman, where she was defeated by more than 37 points.

Trump has never been reserved in his opinions about Cheney, and after her award was announced, he was quick to call her "totally corrupt." Beyond the accolades, the former president also criticized Cheney's views on military matters, accusing her of being overly hawkish and aligned with defense contractors' interests. "A warmonger of low intelligence. All she wants to do is kill people in 'Endless Wars' with no gain," Trump said, further underscoring his dislike for her foreign policy stance.

Biden's Decision Sparks Broader Political Reactions

The decision to honor Cheney and Thompson did not remain within the confines of Trump's criticism. Sen. John Barrasso, a fellow Republican from Wyoming, also disapproved of the award.

He remarked on Biden's move by asserting that Cheney does not deserve such recognition from the president. His comments aligned with the narrative that Cheney's actions have furthered division rather than unity, as he stated, "She represents partisanship and divisiveness, not Wyoming."

Moreover, speculation has circulated about the possibility of President Biden issuing preemptive pardons related to the Jan. 6 events. Although this remains unconfirmed, such rumors have added fuel to the political discourse regarding Cheney and her role in the Select Committee.

Reflections on January 6 Committee's Role

The establishment of the Jan. 6 Select Committee was a significant development following the events at the Capitol. Its members were tasked with investigating how and why the events unfolded and identifying those responsible. Cheney, along with Thompson, was central to the operation of this committee, providing much of the groundwork for hearings that aimed to uncover the truth.

However, the committee's work has been a focal point of criticism from Trump and his allies. Trump accused not only Cheney but also other committee members like Adam Kinzinger and Nancy Pelosi of malfeasance under the guise of pursuing justice for Jan. 6. According to Trump, "Liz Cheney, Cryin’ Adam Kinzinger, Bennie Thompson, and the rest of these dishonest thugs have gotten away with horrible things."

Nancy Pelosi's Role in Capitol Events

Further disparaging comments came from Trump, pointing to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's supposed negligence regarding security measures on Jan. 6. He claimed that Pelosi was responsible for not accepting security assistance and openly discussed it in her daughter's documentary footage. This aspect ties into a broader criticism of how events leading up to and during the Capitol unrest was managed.

Both Cheney's defense of her actions with the committee and the ongoing critiques point to the deeply entrenched political divides that the committee's work represents. The awards granted by President Biden to both Cheney and Thompson spotlight the continued political engagement with the ramifications of Jan. 6, with parties interpreting the day and its aftermath differently.

Trump Holds Nothing Back

Trump's disdain for Cheney was further illustrated when he speculated that Biden's award to her was solely because of her opposition to him. "Biden rewarded her only because she hated 'Trump,'" he stated. His dismissal of her integrity in serving on the committee remains unchanged despite the recent honor.

Amid these controversies, the public and political figures alike continue to weigh in on the decision to award Cheney and Thompson. The recognition reopens discussions about the roles and impacts of key figures on the Jan. 6 Select Committee and how each side perceives accountability and justice in the wake of the incident.

Bipartisan Division Continues

During her career, Cheney has been both lauded for her steadfastness in pursuing truth regarding Jan. 6 and criticized for her opposition to Trump, particularly within the Republican Party. The ongoing responses to her and Thompson's recent awards encapsulate a greater discourse on partisanship and accountability.

As these debates unfold, the recipients of President Biden's Presidential Citizens Medals remain central actors in understanding the complex political narrative surrounding Jan. 6. Now, as then, their roles invoke strong reactions, reiterating the profound impact these events continue to have on American politics.