President Joe Biden on Thursday awarded Donald Trump’s critic Liz Cheney one of the highest civilian honours in the United States, the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Ms Cheney, 58, a former Republican lawmaker for Wyoming in the House of Representatives, led, together with Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, the January 6 select committee that investigated Mr Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Mr Thompson and 18 others were also awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal.

In a statement, Mr Biden praised Ms Cheney because she “has raised her voice – and reached across the aisle – to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency.”

Mr Thompson, a Democrat, was honoured for his lifelong commitment to protecting the Constitution.

Ms Cheney is the daughter of former Republican U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, who was George W. Bush’s deputy from 2001 to 2009.

After the storming of the parliamentary building in Washington nearly four years ago, she distanced herself from Mr Trump, not without consequences for her political career.

She was ousted from top positions and lost her congressional seat due to the power of Mr Trump and his followers, who put up a challenger who won.

In the 2024 election campaign, Ms Cheney and her father supported Kamala Harris for president.

According to the White House, the Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to U.S. citizens who have exemplarily served their country or fellow citizens.

There is speculation that Mr Biden might grant Ms Cheney a preventive pardon due to concern over potential legal actions Mr Trump might take against her in his second term, which starts on January 20.

During the campaign, Mr Trump repeatedly vowed revenge against his adversaries and insulted them.

Mr Trump called Ms Cheney a warmonger, saying she should face guns pointed at “her face.”

(dpa/NAN)