WATCH: Liz Cheney Appears Uncomfortable as Biden Holds Her Hand During Medal Ceremony
3 min read
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming, a prominent critic of Donald Trump, was among 20 Americans honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden on Thursday. The ceremony, held to recognize individuals who contributed to the investigation of the January 6 Capitol attack, took an unexpected turn when Biden’s prolonged handshake with Cheney became the subject of online chatter.
Biden Presents Prestigious Medal
The Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, was awarded to Liz Cheney for her role on the January 6 Congressional Committee. Her efforts, alongside other committee members, aimed to uncover the truth behind the events of that day and uphold democratic principles.
Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson also received the medal during the ceremony, which celebrated individuals for their dedication to protecting democracy and ensuring accountability.
❗️WATCH: We zoomed in on the face of a visibly uncomfortable Liz Cheney as Biden gives her Presidential Citizens Medal and REFUSES to let go of her hand! pic.twitter.com/UIaSprAeS7
— RT (@RT_com) January 2, 2025
The Awkward Exchange
While Liz Cheney received a standing ovation, her interaction with President Biden drew more attention than the award itself. Biden clasped Cheney’s hand and held on for an extended period, pulling her closer for a photo opportunity. The encounter, lasting nearly 30 seconds, left Cheney visibly uneasy, sparking reactions on social media.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) quipped, “Biden awards the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney & refuses to let go of her hand.” Another joked, “He thought she was Jill,” referencing Biden’s wife. The incident quickly went viral, overshadowing some of the ceremony’s solemnity.
…and it was at that very moment, when Liz Cheney understood how bad she effed up
— Constantine (@ConstantineFr19) January 2, 2025
Biden’s History with the Medal
President Biden has frequently used the Presidential Citizens Medal to honor individuals who stood firm in defending democracy. Earlier recipients included Capitol Police officers and election workers who faced threats following the 2020 presidential election.
During the ceremony, Biden reiterated the importance of these honors:
“I’ve been honored to present law enforcement officers who defended our Capitol on January 6th and the state and local election officials who defended the free and fair election of 2020. Today, we celebrate a new group of Americans who dedicated their careers to serving our democracy in other essential ways.”
Uncomfortable? I think not, she’s impatient, a meaningless waste of time
— Idgy (@ThreadgoodIdgy) January 2, 2025
While the ceremony was meant to highlight Cheney’s courage and dedication, the awkward moment with Biden added a layer of humor and intrigue to the event. Despite the lighthearted reactions online, the recognition of Cheney’s contributions remains a significant testament to her commitment to democratic values. Whether Biden’s lingering handshake was a deliberate gesture of respect or simply a quirky misstep, the interaction has ensured the event stays in the public eye for reasons both serious and amusing.
Is she uncomfortable because he won’t let go or because she’s fully aware this entire thing is a crock of shit and everyone else knows it?
— Winky Granfoers (@WGranfoers) January 3, 2025
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
