Trump called Devin Nunes a ‘hero.’ Now he’s giving the congressman a medal
President Donald Trump on Monday awarded Rep. Devin Nunes the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The California Republican is known as one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, primarily because of Nunes’ efforts to defend the president during Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference and last year during impeachment hearings.
Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, referred to both investigations as a “hoax” and alleged that certain intelligence officials harbored biases against Trump.
Mueller’s investigation led to indictments of 34 people on a range of charges that included financial crimes, lying to Congress and identity theft. The House of Representatives last year impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice related to his efforts to press the government of Ukraine to help his reelection campaign.
The White House praised how Nunes “pursued the Russia Hoax,” in a statement on Monday about the medal.
“Congressman Devin Nunes is a public servant of unmatched talent, unassailable integrity, and unwavering resolve. He uncovered the greatest scandal in American history,” the White House statement concluded.
Nunes was awarded the medal early Monday, according to Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere, in a ceremony that was not open to press.
Trump has heaped praise on Nunes, R-Tulare, in the past. “He became a hero because he found out what was going on in government, and he found out about the hoax,” Trump said during a visit to Bakersfield in February.
Nunes’ role in defending Trump gave him national renown among Republicans, but also carried a political cost. His two closest reelection campaigns since he took office in 2003 occurred during Trump’s presidency.
Presidents have awarded the Medal of Freedom to artists, athletes, politicians and military leaders. Past recipients include actor Tom Hanks, poet Maya Angelou, author Harper Lee, and boxer Muhammad Ali.
Trump has both publicly and privately talked about awarding Nunes for his work before. Journalist Bob Woodward wrote in a book published about Trump’s White House that Trump suggested to others that Nunes should receive the Medal of Honor, which is the nation’s highest military honor. Nunes has not served in the military.
Trump has corrected himself after saying that publicly at least once, during a Fox and Friends episode in October 2018. He said he meant the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“What he’s gone through, and his bravery, he should get a very important medal,” Trump said.
This story was originally published January 3, 2021 at 7:20 PM.
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