As President Joe Biden enters his final weeks in office, his administration continues to make moves that many conservatives view as politically charged. The timing and nature of his latest executive decisions have drawn particular scrutiny from Republican leaders and constitutional experts alike.
With the presidential transition less than three weeks away, questions are emerging about the strategic timing of certain White House ceremonies and honors. These decisions are based on polls showing that most Americans are ready for new leadership in Washington.
The atmosphere in the capital has grown increasingly tense as January 20th approaches. Indeed, both parties are carefully watching each presidential action for deeper meaning or potential lasting impact on the political landscape. And boy, is it getting interesting.
A Medal With A Message
In a move that has sparked significant debate within conservative circles, the White House announced today that President Biden will award the Presidential Citizens Medal – the nation’s second-highest civilian honor – to former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and Democrat Bennie Thompson, who led the controversial January 6th committee investigation.
“President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others,” declared a White House statement. This raised immediate questions about the timing and motivation behind these selections.
The Presidential Citizens Medal, established in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, is the second-highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes Americans who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens. This medal has traditionally been reserved for individuals whose achievements have direct and significant impact on their communities and the nation.
Does this sound like proper use of a presidential medal to you?
The ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, will honor 20 recipients in total. But it’s Cheney’s inclusion that has drawn the strongest reaction from President-elect Donald Trump and conservative leaders. They view the medal ceremony as a provocative gesture just weeks before the transfer of power.
“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and creeps,” Trump said in a recent NBC News interview. He went on to suggest that the committee members “should go to jail” for their roles in the investigation.
Cheney’s selection comes after she actively campaigned for Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris. She also publicly opposed Republican positions on key issues. Her dramatic shift from Republican leadership to receiving honors from a Democratic administration has intensified ongoing debates about party loyalty and political principles.
What Comes Next
If you’re thinking this timing seems a bit too convenient, you’re not alone. The ceremony has particular significance, given recent discussions about potential preemptive pardons. Sources close to the Biden administration have indicated that the president is considering such pardons for individuals Trump has threatened with investigation or prosecution upon returning to office.
Representative Thompson has already signaled he would accept such a pardon if offered.
“It’s [Biden’s] prerogative,” he said. “If he offers it to me or other members of the committee… I would accept it.”
For many conservatives, this combination of medals and potential pardons represents a concerning pattern of using presidential powers to protect and reward political allies. Constitutional scholars note that while such actions may be legal, they raise questions about the appropriate use of executive authority.
Looking ahead, the incoming Trump administration has signaled it will take a markedly different approach to both presidential honors and investigations of political opponents. This stark contrast highlights the deepening divide in how the two parties view justice, accountability, and the proper use of presidential authority.
As conservative Americans prepare for the return of Trump to the White House, many are calling for a renewed focus on traditional Republican values and a careful examination of how presidential powers are exercised. The medal ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining clear principles even in times of political transition.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden weaponizes major civilian honor to reward anti-Trump Republicans like Liz Cheney weeks before leaving office.
- Trump promises accountability for January 6 committee members receiving Biden’s medals.
- Strategic timing suggests coordinated effort to shield political allies through honors and potential pardons.
- Conservative leaders warn of concerning pattern in Biden’s use of presidential powers.
Sources: Mediaite, The Washington Post, NBC News, The Associated Press
