Cheney is one of the biggest traitors of the Republican Party. But what she just did cemented her place at the top.
And Liz Cheney just received this one thing from Joe Biden that has Trump fuming with rage.
Biden to Award Liz Cheney Presidential Citizens Medal, Stirring Debate
On Thursday, President Joe Biden will recognize former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and others with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor.
This award is traditionally reserved for individuals who “have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow Americans,” as reported by The Washington Post. Cheney, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, notably lost her re-election campaign in a significant defeat.
Cheney was the vice chair of the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Her tenure on the committee was controversial, with allegations of ethical misconduct. According to The Daily Wire, Cheney communicated with an anti-Trump witness without the knowledge of the witness’s attorney, a move criticized as a major violation of ethics.
Despite this, she faced no legal repercussions. Reports suggest Biden aides have contemplated issuing blanket pardons for Cheney, Anthony Fauci, and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) to shield them from potential investigations by a future Trump administration.
Text messages revealed that Cheney had direct, unauthorized communications with Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness for the January 6 committee. Hutchinson’s lawyer, Stefan Passantino, was allegedly bypassed during these interactions.
According to the New York Post, Cheney’s book, Oath and Honor, does not acknowledge these backchannel conversations, despite their potential significance in shaping the committee’s narrative.
During the final days of Kamala Harris’s campaign, Cheney appeared alongside the vice president during various rallies and events. Critics point out that Biden’s decision to honor Cheney might serve dual purposes: recognizing her efforts while creating a political edge against Vice President Harris, who some believe had her campaign undermined by Biden.
In addition to Cheney, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the committee chair, will also receive the award. Thompson’s own past actions have been scrutinized, including his 2005 protest against certifying Ohio’s election results, despite then-Sen. John Kerry having already conceded.
Other recipients include figures tied to the fight for same-s*x marriage, such as Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, as well as longtime Biden allies like former senators Ted Kaufman, Bill Bradley, and Chris Dodd. Bradley, who once played for the New York Knicks, adds a touch of celebrity to the roster of honorees.
Republicans’ Discontent with Cheney
The decision to honor Cheney has drawn sharp criticism from many within the Republican Party. Her outspoken stance against Trump, coupled with her role in the January 6 investigation, has alienated her from much of the party’s base. To many Republicans, Cheney represents a betrayal of conservative principles and a willingness to side with Democrats on polarizing issues.
Cheney’s involvement in the January 6 committee cemented her status as a polarizing figure. For Trump-aligned Republicans, her actions were perceived as aligning with a broader effort to undermine Trump’s legacy.
Cheney’s harsh rhetoric against Trump and her willingness to challenge GOP orthodoxy have fueled accusations that she prioritizes personal ambition over party unity.
The fallout from Cheney’s actions has extended beyond her political career. Her strained relationship with the party reflects a growing divide within the GOP. Some view her as a symbol of accountability, while others see her as a cautionary tale of what happens when a Republican breaks ranks.
As Biden prepares to bestow this prestigious honor, Cheney’s critics and supporters alike are left grappling with her complex legacy — a mix of so-called principled defiance and controversial decisions that continue to shape her reputation.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
