Cheney cheered as Biden awards her the Presidential Citizens Medal

The big picture: Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who served as chair of the Jan. 6 House committee that investigated the Capitol riot, joined the panel's vice chair Cheney in receiving the honor from Biden.

• A loud cheer erupted from those gathered at the White House ceremony as Cheney walked up to accept her award from Biden, as the announcer said the Republican was receiving it "putting the American people before her party."

Zoom in: Cheney has long been one of President-elect Trump's most outspoken critics, going so far as to campaign for Vice President Harris in the 2024 election.

• Trump told NBC's "Meet the Press" last month that Cheney, Thompson and other members of the committee had done "something that's inexcusable" in pursuing their investigation.
• He has threatened to investigate and jail Cheney and Thompson for their roles in the committee's work.

What they're saying: Biden "believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others," the White House said in a statement.

• "Throughout two decades in public service ... Liz Cheney has raised her voice — and reached across the aisle — to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for," the White House said, while also praising Thompson for his "unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth."

Zoom out: Other honorees this year will include attorney Mary Bonauto, who fought to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S., and Eleanor Smeal, a women's rights activist.

• Former lawmakers, health care advocates, academics and veterans are also being honored in Thursday's ceremony.

Go deeper: Cheney singled out for retribution in House GOP's Jan. 6 report

Editor's note: This story was updated with details from the ceremony and a statement from the White House.