Biden Awards Presidential Citizens Medal to 20, Including Liz Cheney

‘The country is better because of [the recipients’] dedication and sacrifice,’ the White House said.

Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney receives the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden during a ceremony at the White House on Jan. 2, 2025. Chris Kleponis/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden has awarded 20 individuals the Presidential Citizens Medal, including two leaders of the disbanded Jan. 6 congressional panel—former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.)—for “exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”

The Presidential Citizens Medal, created by President Richard Nixon in 1969, is the country’s second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is awarded to those who “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”