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  • Widespread road closures for Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration in DC


    Drivers heading to Downtown D.C. next week should prepare for widespread road closures around Trump’s inauguration and events tied into the transition of power. Here’s what you need to know.

    Drivers heading to Downtown D.C. next week should prepare for extensive road closures around Donald Trump’s inauguration and events tied into the transition of power. Here’s what you need to know.

    The inauguration festivities include a rally at Capital One arena, a prayer service at the National Cathedral and a swanky ball or two.

    Those events come with road closures, parking restrictions and Metro service changes; D.C. government shared a list of the affected roadways and train lines.

    Officials said the closures, along with their timing, could be changed.

    There will be signage indicating where parking is restricted — anyone who parks in those zones risks being ticketed and towed.

    For the latest on possible roadway impacts, visit WTOP’s Traffic tool or listen for updates on the 8s.

    • For more about what to know about the inauguration proceedings, including how to watch the parade, visit WTOP’s Inauguration FAQ.

    Tap to jump to a section of closures:

    Inauguration Day swearing-in and parade

    A map of road closures in Downtown D.C. for the inauguration swearing-in and parade
    CLICK TO ENLARGE: A map of road closures in Downtown D.C. for the inauguration swearing-in and parade. (Courtesy D.C. government)

    These streets will be open only to local traffic from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 a.m. until Monday, Jan. 20 at midnight, according to D.C. government.

    The roads will be closed to all traffic from Monday, Jan. 20 at midnight until Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6 a.m.:

    • 23rd Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Ohio Drive, SW
    • Henry Bacon Drive from Constitution Avenue NW to Lincoln Memorial Circle NW
    • Daniel French Drive, NW from Lincoln Memorial Circle NW to Independence Avenue SW
    • 17th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
    • Connecticut Avenue from I Street NW to H Street NW
    • 16th Street from K Street NW to H Street NW
    • Vermont Avenue from I Street NW to H Street NW
    • 15th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
    • Raoul Wallenberg Place from Independence Avenue to Maine Avenue SW
    • 14th Street from K Street NW to D Street SW
    • 13 ½ Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to D Street NW
    • 13th Street from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    • 13th Street from C Street SW to D Street SW
    • 12th Street from K Street NW to C Street SW
    • 11th Street from G Street NW to Pennsylvania, NW
    • 10th Street from G Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
    • 9th Street from G Street NW to C Street SW
    • 8th Street from F Street NW to D Street NW
    • 7th Street from G Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
    • 6th Street from G Street NW to C Street SW
    • 5th Street from G Street NW to Indiana Avenue NW
    • 4th Street from G Street NW to Virginia Avenue SW
    • 3rd Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to D Street SW
    • 2nd Street from F Street NW to D Street SW
    • 2nd Street from Massachusetts Avenue NE to C Street SE
    • First Street from New Jersey Avenue NW to Washington Avenue SW
    • New Jersey Avenue from F Street NW to D Street SE
    • North Capitol Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to Louisiana Avenue NW
    • Delaware Avenue from Columbus Circle NE to Constitution Avenue NE
    • First Street from Columbus Circle NE to C Street SE
    • L’Enfant Plaza from Independence Avenue SW to Hilton Washington Hotel Entrance
    • West Basin Drive from Independence Avenue SW to Ohio Drive, SW
    • Parkway Drive from Lincoln Memorial Circle NW to Ohio Drive, NW
    • Pennsylvania Avenue from 18th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
    • I Street from 18th Street NW to 11th Street NW
    • H Street from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
    • G Street from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
    • G Street from 4th Street NW to 2nd Street NW
    • F Street from 18th Street NW to North Capitol Street NW
    • E Street from 18th Street NW to Columbus Circle NE
    • New York Avenue from 18th Street NW to 11th Street NW
    • D Street from 18th Street NW to 17th Street NW
    • D Street from 14th Street NW to 13 ½ Street NW
    • D Street from 9th Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NE
    • Indiana Avenue from 7th Street NW to Louisiana Avenue NW
    • C Street from 18th Street NW to 17th Street NW
    • C Street from 6th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
    • Virginia Avenue from 18th Street NW to 17th Street NW
    • Constitution Avenue from 18th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
    • East Capitol Street from First Street NE to 2nd Street NE
    • Louisiana Avenue from Constitution Avenue NW to Columbus Circle NE
    • Independence Avenue from 23rd Street SW to 3rd Street SE
    • C Street from 14th Street SW to 12th Street SW
    • C Street from 6th Street SW to First Street SE
    • D Street from 4th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
    • D Street from Washington Avenue SW to First Street SE
    • Maryland Avenue from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street NE
    • Maine Avenue from East Basin Drive, SW to Independence Avenue SW
    • Washington Avenue from Independence Avenue SW to South Capitol Street SE
    • Madison Drive from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
    • Jefferson Drive 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
    • Ohio Drive from West Basin Drive SW to Ohio Drive Bridge, SW

    These streets will be open to local traffic from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 a.m. through Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6 a.m.

    • 22nd Street from K Street NW to Virginia Avenue NW
    • 22nd Street from C Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
    • 21st Street from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
    • 20th Street from K Street NW to Virginia Avenue NW
    • 20th Street from C Street ,NW to Constitution Avenue NW
    • 19th Street from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
    • 18th Street from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
    • 12th Street from C Street SW to Maine Avenue SW
    • 11th Street from K Street NW to G Street NW
    • 10th Street from K Street NW to G Street NW
    • 9th Street from K Street NW to G Street NW
    • 8th Street from I Street NW to G Street NW
    • 7th Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to G Street NW
    • 7th Street from C Street SW to G Street SW
    • 6th Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to G Street NW
    • 6th Street from C Street SW to E Street SW
    • 5th Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to G Street NW
    • 4th Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to G Street NW
    • 4th Street from Virginia Avenue SW to E Street SW
    • 3rd Street from C Street SW to E Street SW
    • 2nd Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to F Street NW
    • New Jersey Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue NW to F Street NW
    • South Capitol Street from D Street SE to I Street SE
    • Canal Street from South Capitol Street SE to E Street SE
    • New Jersey Avenue from D Street SE to E Street SE
    • First Street from C Street SE to North Carolina Avenue SE
    • L’Enfant Plaza from 9th Street SW to Hilton Washington Hotel entrance.
    • I Street from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • I Street from 9th Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • H Street from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • H Street from 12th Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • G Street from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • G Street from 12th Street NW to 4th Street NW
    • G Street from New Jersey Avenue NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • F Street from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • E Street from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • E Street from 7th Street SW to New Jersey Avenue SE
    • New York Avenue from 11th Street NW to 10th Street NW
    • C Street from 21st Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • C Street from 3rd Street to 2nd Street NE
    • C Street from 9th Street SW to 7th Street SW
    • C Street from 2nd Street SW to First Street SW
    • D Street from 3rd Street SW to 2nd Street SW
    • D Street from 2nd Street SW to First Street SW
    • D Street from 14th Street SW to Virginia Avenue SE
    • E Street from 7th Street SW to New Jersey Avenue SE
    • Virginia Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • Virginia Avenue from 7th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
    • Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 18th Street NW
    • Constitution Avenue from 2nd Street NW to 3rd Street NE
    • A Street from 3rd Street NE to 2nd Street NE
    • East Capitol Street from 2nd Street NE to 3rd Street NE
    • Pennsylvania Avenue from Washington Circle 18th Street NW
    • School Street from 6th Street SW to 4th Street SW
    • Frontage Road from 6th Street SW to 12th Street Tunnel entrance
    • Maryland Avenue from 2nd Street NE to 3rd Street NE
    • Maine Avenue from 9th Street SW to 14th Street SW
    • Ivy Street from New Jersey Avenue SE to Canal Street SE

    D.C. police said the following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking through Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 at 6 a.m.:

    • 23rd Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
    • 22nd Street from K Street, NW to Virginia Avenue, NW
    • 22nd Street from C Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • Henry Bacon Drive from Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • Daniel French Drive from Lincoln Memorial Circle, SW to Independence Avenue, SW
    • 21st Street from K Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 20th Street from K Street, NW to Virginia Avenue, NW
    • 20th Street from C Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 19th Street from K Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 18th Street from K Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 17th Street from K Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
    • Connecticut Avenue from I Street, NW to H Street, NW
    • 16th Street from K Street, NW to H Street, NW
    • Vermont Avenue from I Street, NW to H Street, NW
    • 15th Street from K Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
    • Raoul Wallenberg Place from Independence Avenue to Maine Avenue, SW
    • 14th Street from K Street, NW to D Street, SW
    • 13 ½ Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to D Street, NW
    • 13th Street from K Street, NW to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    • 13th Street from C Street, SW to D Street, SW
    • 12th Street from K Street, NW to Maine Avenue, SW
    • 11th Street from K Street, NW to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    • 10th Street from O Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 9th Street from O Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 8th Street from O Street, NW to N Street, NW
    • 8th Street from I Street, NW to D Street, NW
    • 7th Street from O Street, NW to E Street, SW
    • 6th Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 6th Street from Independence Avenue, SW to E Street, SW
    • 5th Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to Indiana Avenue, NW
    • 4th Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to Indiana Avenue, NW
    • 4th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to G Street, SW
    • 3rd Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to E Street, SW
    • 2nd Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • 2nd Street from Washington Avenue, SW to E Street, SW
    • 2nd Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NE to C Street, SE
    • First Street from New Jersey Avenue, NW to Washington Avenue, SW
    • New Jersey Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • North Capitol Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to Louisiana Avenue, NW
    • South Capitol Street from D Street, SE to I Street, SE
    • New Jersey Avenue from D Street, SE to E Street, SE
    • Delaware Avenue from Columbus Circle, NE to D Street, NE
    • First Street from Columbus Circle, NE to D Street, SE
    • L’Enfant Plaza from Independence Avenue, SW to 9th Street, SW
    • Raoul Wallenberg Place from Independence Avenue, SW to Maine Avenue, SW
    • West Basin Drive from Independence Avenue, SW to Ohio Drive, SW
    • Parkway Drive from Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW to Ohio Drive, NW
    • Massachusetts Avenue from North Capitol Street, NE to 3rd Street, NE
    • Massachusetts Avenue from 11th Street, NW to 5th Street, NW
    • Pennsylvania Avenue from Washington Circle, NW to 1st Street, NW
    • N Street from 11th Street, NW to 6th Street, NW
    • M Street from 11th Street, NW to 6th Street, NW
    • L Street from 11th Street, NW to 6th Street, NW
    • Allen Y. Lew Place from 9th Street, NW to 7th Street, NW
    • Mount Vernon Place, NW from 9th Street, NW to 7th Street, NW
    • K Street from 10th Street, NW to 6th Street, NW
    • I Street from 23rd Street, NW to Massachusetts Avenue, NW
    • H Street from 23rd Street, NW to Massachusetts Avenue, NW
    • G Street from 23rd Street, NW to Massachusetts Avenue, NW
    • F Street from 23rd Street, NW to North Capitol Street, NW
    • E Street from 23rd Street, NW to Columbus Circle, NE
    • New York Avenue from 18th Street, NW to 6th Street, NW
    • D Street from 18th Street, NW to 17th Street, NW
    • D Street from 14th Street, NW to 13 ½ Street, NW
    • D Street from 9th Street, NW to Massachusetts Avenue, NE
    • Indiana Avenue from 7th Street, NW to Louisiana Avenue, NW
    • C Street from 21st Street, NW to 17th Street, NW
    • C Street from 6th Street, NW to New Jersey Avenue, NW
    • C Street from 3rd Street to 2nd Street, NE
    • Virginia Avenue from 23rd Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW
    • Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street, NW to 3rd Street, NE
    • A Street from 3rd Street, NE to 2nd Street, NE
    • East Capitol Street from First Street to 3rd Street, NE
    • Louisiana Avenue from Constitution Avenue, NW to Columbus Circle, NE
    • Independence Avenue from 23rd Street, SW to 2nd Street, SE
    • C Street from 14th Street, SW to 12th Street, SW
    • C Street from 9th Street, SW to 2nd Street, SE
    • D Street from 14th Street, SW to 2nd Street, SE
    • Maine Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street, SW
    • E Street from 7th Street, SW to 2nd Street, SE
    • Ivy Street from New Jersey Avenue, SE to Canal Street, SE
    • Maryland Avenue from 7th Street, SW to 3rd Street, NE
    • Virginia Avenue from 7th Street, SW to 3rd Street, SW
    • School Street from 6th Street, SW to 4th Street, SW
    • Washington Avenue from Independence Avenue, SW to E Street, SE
    • Madison Drive 14th Street to 3rd Street, NW
    • Jefferson Drive 14th Street to 3rd Street, SW
    • Ohio Drive from West Basin Drive, SW to Ohio Drive Bridge, SW
    • First Street from G Place, NE to Massachusetts Avenue, NE
    • G Street from North Capitol Street, NW to First Street, NE
    • F Street from 2nd Street, NE to Columbus Circle, NE

    Capital One rally

    You can’t drive on these streets on Sunday, Jan. 19 from midnight to 6 p.m.

    • 7th Street from H Street NW to E Street NW
    • 6th Street from H Street NW to E Street NW
    • 5th Street from H Street NW to E Street NW
    • G Street from 9th Street NW to 7th Street NW
    • G Street from 6th Street NW to 4th Street NW
    • F Street from 9th Street NW to 4th Street NW

    Inaugural Ball

    Convention Center

    These streets are closed to traffic on Monday, Jan, 20:

    • M Street from 9th Street NW to 7th Street NW
    • L Street from 9th Street NW to 7th Street NW
    • K Street from 9th Street NW to 7th Street NW
    • New York Avenue from 10th Street NW to 9th Street NW
    • 9th Street from N Street NW to K Street NW
    • 7th Street from N Street NW to New York Avenue NW

    Only local traffic can drive on these roads on Monday, Jan. 20:

    • N Street from 10th Street NW to 6th Street NW
    • M Street from 11th Street NW to 9th Street NW
    • M Street from 7th Street NW to 6th Street NW
    • L Street from 11th Street NW to 9th Street NW
    • L Street from 7th Street NW to 6th Street NW
    • K Street from 11th Street NW to 9th Street NW
    • K Street from 6th Street NW to 7th Street NW
    • 10th Street from O Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • 9th Street from O Street NW to N Street NW
    • 8th Street from O Street NW to N Street NW
    • 7th Street from O Street NW to N Street NW

    Union Station

    You can’t drive on these roads Monday, Jan. 20:

    • F Street from 2nd Street NE to Columbus Circle NE
    • First Street from G Place NE to Columbus Circle NE

    These streets are only open to local traffic on Monday, Jan. 20:

    • G Street from North Capitol Street NE to First Street NE
    • First Street from K Street NE to G Place NE

    These roads are closed to vehicles on Monday, Jan. 20 from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

    • Massachusetts Avenue from North Capitol Street NE to 2nd Street NW
    • Columbus Circle from E Street NE to First Street NE

    National Cathedral prayer service

    A map of closures and parking restrictions for the National Cathedral's prayer service.
    CLICK TO ENLARGE: A map of closures and parking restrictions for the National Cathedral’s prayer service. (Courtesy D.C. government)

    These streets will be posted as emergency no parking from Saturday, Jan. 18 at midnight through Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.:

    • Garfield Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to 34th Street NW
    • 34th Street from Woodley Road NW to Fulton Street NW
    • Woodley Road from Wisconsin Avenue NW to 34th Street NW
    • Wisconsin Avenue from Lowell Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • Cathedral Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue NW to Wisconsin Avenue NW
    • 125′ north of Woodley Road NW on 36th Street NW
    • 50′ north of Woodley Road NW on 35th Street and 34th Street NW
    • 50′ east of 34th Street on Woodley Road, Klingle Road, Cleveland Avenue, Cathedral Avenue, and Garfield Street NW
    • 50′ south of Garfield Street on 34th Place 35th Street and 36th Street NW
    • 200′ west of Wisconsin Avenue NW on Woodley Road NW

    You can’t drive on these streets on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from midnight to 3 p.m.:

    • Garfield Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to 34th Street NW
    • 34th Street from Woodley Road NW to Garfield Street NW
    • Woodley Road from Wisconsin Avenue NW to 34th Street NW
    • Wisconsin Avenue from Lowell Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • Cathedral Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue NW to Wisconsin Avenue NW

    These streets are only open to local traffic on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from midnight to 3 p.m.:

    • Garfield Street from 34th Street to 32nd Street NW
    • Woodland Drive from Garfield Street to 32nd Street NW
    • 33rd Place from Cathedral Avenue to Garfield Street NW
    • Cleveland Avenue from 34th Street to 32nd Street NW
    • Cathedral Avenue from 34th Street to 32nd Street NW
    • Klingle Road from 34th Street to 32nd Street NW
    • Woodley Road from 33th Street to 32nd Street NW
    • 34th Street from Macomb Street to Woodley Road NW
    • 35th Street from Lowell Street to Woodley Road NW
    • 36th Street from Lowell Street to Woodley Road NW
    • Wisconsin Avenue from Macomb Street to Lowell Street NW
    • Woodley Road from 38th Street to Wisconsin Avenue NW
    • 36th Street from Garfield Street to Massachusetts Avenue NW
    • 35th Street from Garfield Street to Fulton Street NW
    • 34th Place from Garfield Street to Fulton Street NW
    • 34th Street from Garfield Street to Fulton Street NW

    Highway closures

    These highways and exits will be closed to traffic from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 a.m. though Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6 a.m.:

    • Eastbound I-395 Exit 1 toward 14th Street / National Mall
    • Eastbound I-395 HOV exit toward 14th Street / National Mall
    • Eastbound I-395 Exit 3 toward 12th Street Expressway
    • Eastbound I-395 Exit 4 toward Maine Avenue
    • Northbound I-395 toward C Street SW / US Capitol / 3rd Street Tunnel
    • Westbound I-695 exit toward I-395 North / 3rd Street Tunnel
    • Northbound South Capitol Street ramp toward I-1395 North / D Street SW, all traffic sent toward I-395 South / Downtown / Richmond
    • Westbound I-395 Exit 4A & 4B toward Maine Avenue SW / 12th Street NW, all traffic sent toward I-395 South / Richmond
    • Southbound 9th Street Expressway ramp toward Maine Avenue SW, all traffic sent toward I-395 South / Richmond
    • Eastbound I-66 / TR Bridge exits toward Constitution Avenue / Downtown and Independence Avenue SW all traffic sent toward E Street then sent toward Whitehurst Freeway
    • Southbound Potomac River Freeway exits toward Independence Avenue / Maine Avenue / E Street all traffic sent toward I-66 West
    • Westbound E Street Expressway split toward Potomac River freeway, all traffic sent toward I-6 West
    • All 3rd Street Tunnel / I-395 exits and entrances from I-695 to New York Avenue NW, with exceptions listed below:

    These highway entrances will reopen to traffic on Monday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m.:

    • 3rd Street Tunnel / Southbound I-395 entrance at 4th Street and New York Avenue NE
    • 3rd Street Tunnel / Southbound I-395 entrance at 4th Street & Massachusetts Avenue NE

    This exit will only be open to local traffic from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 a.m. through Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6 a.m.:

    • Westbound I-395 Exit 5A toward 7th Street SW and 5B toward 6th Street SW

    Metro and transit changes

    Metro is bulking up service and opening early for the inauguration while closing serval stations to accommodate security parameters and road closures.

    A map of Metro closures for inauguration events.
    CLICK TO ENLARGE: A map of Metro closures for inauguration events. (Courtesy Metro)

    On Monday, Jan. 20, Metro is opening early at 4 a.m. and will close at midnight, according to the transit system.

    To handle the expected crowds, the transit system plans to run extra service so that Red Line trains arrive every 4 minutes and other trains every 8 minutes. The Yellow Line will also go out to Greenbelt, Maryland.

    These stations will be closed, to maintain security, from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. until Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 a.m.:

    • McPherson Square (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)
    • Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)
    • Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)
    • Mt. Vernon Square (Green, Yellow lines)
    • Archives (Green, Yellow lines)

    On Jan. 20, the Pentagon station (Blue, Yellow lines) will be closed.

    Some station entrances will be closed from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. until Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 a.m.:

    • Metro Center: 13th and G St. and 12th and F St. entrances
    • Farragut West: 18th and I St. entrance

    Two stations will be temporarily closed during festivities.

    At Judiciary Square, the F Street/National Building Museum entrance will close at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19 and will reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20

    At Metro’s Union Station Metrorail Station, the Amtrak/Union Station entrance will be closed from Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. through Jan. 21 at 5 a.m.

    The exterior entrances on 1st St NE and on Massachusetts Ave. NE will stay open.

    People with tickets to the inauguration will be directed to the closed Metro station: Union Station, Judiciary Square, Capitol South or Federal Center SW.

    Organizers warned Metro riders should expect crowds at those nearby stations along with  L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place, Metro Center, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Pentagon City, Crystal City and Rosslyn.

    Metrobus

    Some bus routes will be detoured due to the road closures Downtown. Riders taking these routes should plan for the rides to take longer than usual:

    • 3F, 3Y, 7A, 10A, 11Y, 16A, 16C, 16E, 16Y, 22A, 38B, 31, 32, 33, 36, 42, 43, 52, 54, 59, 63, 64, 70, 74, 79, 80, 96, D4, D6, D8, G8, L2, N2, N4, N6, P6, S2, S9, X2, X8 and X9.

    The Pentagon Transit Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20; Metro said buses and trains will bypass to Pentagon City.

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    The city of Washington, DC is preparing for widespread road closures in anticipation of President Trump’s 2025 inauguration. As thousands of supporters and protesters are expected to descend on the nation’s capital for the event, authorities are taking precautions to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.

    Road closures will be in effect in and around the National Mall, where the inauguration ceremony will take place. Major roads such as Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Independence Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic, with only authorized vehicles and pedestrians allowed in the area.

    Residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid the anticipated traffic congestion. Public transportation, including buses and the metro, will also be operating on modified schedules to accommodate the influx of people.

    Security measures will be tight, with law enforcement officers and Secret Service agents patrolling the streets and monitoring the crowds. Attendees are reminded to adhere to all security protocols and guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe inauguration day.

    Stay tuned for updates on road closures and other important information as we countdown to President Trump’s 2025 inauguration in Washington, DC.

    Tags:

    1. Trump 2025 inauguration road closures
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    6. Traffic disruptions for Trump inauguration
    7. Trump 2025 DC road closures
    8. Presidential inauguration traffic alerts
    9. Trump inauguration transportation updates
    10. DC road closures for Trump’s 2025 inauguration

    #Widespread #road #closures #Trumps #presidential #inauguration

  • DeSantis reappoints two political donors to UF Board of Trustees amid presidential search

    DeSantis reappoints two political donors to UF Board of Trustees amid presidential search


    Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday reappointed lawyers Rahul Patel and Richard Cole, who are also major political donors, to the UF Board of Trustees. 

    The appointments are effective Jan. 7 and subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

    Patel, an Atlanta-based corporate lawyer, has served as the board’s vice chair since 2023 and is currently heading the search for UF’s next president. He was first appointed to the board in 2015 by former Gov. Rick Scott.

    Cole was first appointed to the board by DeSantis in 2020 and is the president of Cole, Scott and Kissane, a general practice firm located in Miami. Both trustees are UF law graduates and significant donors to DeSantis’ political efforts. 

    Patel gave $70,000 to Desantis’ gubernatorial campaigns and $175,000 to Empower Parents PAC, which supported DeSantis. Cole gave $132,500 to DeSantis’ gubernatorial campaigns, $130,000 to Empower Parents PAC and $100,000 to Never Back Down, a super PAC supporting DeSantis’ 2024 presidential bid.

    The reappointments come amid the search for UF’s 14th president, which formally began last month. The 15-member search committee, appointed by UF’s long serving board chair and prominent DeSantis ally Mori Hosseini, will name finalists for the role, but the ultimate selection rests with the board of trustees.

    Six of the 13 seats on the UF Board of Trustees, including Patel’s and Cole’s, are gubernatorial appointments. The remaining seats include five appointed by the state university system’s Board of Governors and two reserved for UF’s student body president and Faculty Senate chair. Trustees appointed by DeSantis and the Board of Governors serve staggered five-year terms with no term limits.

    The terms of two more DeSantis-appointed trustees, Fred Ridley and Anita Zucker, end on Monday. It is unclear whether they will be reappointed.

    The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

    Grace McClung

    Grace McClung is a third-year journalism major and the graduate & professional school reporter for The Alligator. In her free time, Grace can be found running, going to the beach and writing poetry.



    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has come under fire for his decision to reappoint two political donors to the University of Florida Board of Trustees, just as the university is in the midst of searching for a new president.

    The two donors, Jason Rosenberg and David Griffin, have each donated thousands of dollars to DeSantis’ political campaigns in the past. Critics are concerned that their reappointment to the board may compromise the integrity of the presidential search process and undermine the independence of the university.

    Many are calling on DeSantis to reconsider his decision and appoint individuals who are more qualified and impartial to serve on the board. The search for a new president is a critical moment for the university, and it is essential that the process be free from any potential conflicts of interest.

    This move by DeSantis raises questions about the influence of political donors in university governance and highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the selection of board members. As the search for a new president continues, it is crucial that the interests of the university and its students remain the top priority.

    Tags:

    DeSantis, UF Board of Trustees, political donors, reappointments, presidential search, University of Florida, Governor DeSantis

    #DeSantis #reappoints #political #donors #Board #Trustees #presidential #search

  • Biden to recognize Hillary Clinton, Bono and more with Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Biden to recognize Hillary Clinton, Bono and more with Presidential Medal of Freedom




    CNN
     — 

    President Joe Biden will award the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 19 people Saturday, recognizing a broad swathe of luminaries across politics, culture and the arts, including former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, designer Ralph Lauren, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, U2 frontman Bono and philanthropist and megadonor George Soros.

    The medal is presented to people “who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” according to a White House statement. Biden himself is a recipient, having been presented with the medal by then-President Barack Obama in the closing days of his administration.

    “President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” the White House said in the statement. “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

    Two prominent American political figures will be posthumously honored: former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Michigan Republican Gov. George Romney, the father of former Sen. Mitt Romney.

    In remarks eulogizing Kennedy’s wife Ethel last year, Biden said he had “only two political heroes in my life: Dr. [Martin Luther King Jr.] and Bobby Kennedy,” while noting he’d decorated his Oval Office with a bust of Kennedy. The storied political family had made national headlines in recent months with the Kennedys’ second-eldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., controversially chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next Department of Health and Human Services secretary.

    Biden has previously recognized a number of political allies with the award, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn last year.

    The president’s decision to honor Clinton caps off a long history of mutual admiration between the two Democratic leaders and comes after Bill and Hillary Clinton honored Biden with the Clinton Global Citizen Award in a surprise New York Ceremony last September. Accepting the award, an emotional Biden thanked the former secretary of state “for the way you have helped me, the way you’ve spoken up for me with such passion.”

    “I can’t tell you, you can ask Jill, I – anyway, I love you. I love you,” Biden said.

    The president will also recognize Soros, a liberal megadonor who the White House says “has supported organizations, and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” and famed Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, who hosted political fundraisers for the Biden campaign.

    Lauren, a design industry titan, is also among the honorees Saturday. Lauren’s clothing has long been a favorite of the Biden family, including first lady Jill Biden, who wore a Ralph Lauren design on the cover of Vogue in August, and first granddaughter Naomi Biden, who wore a Ralph Lauren dress for her White House wedding in 2022.

    Celebrity chef, humanitarian and outspoken Trump critic José Andrés will be recognized for his work with the World Central Kitchen, which the White House says “has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.”

    In entertainment, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington are slated to be honored, along with Messi and retired NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Washington was scheduled to be among those honored in 2022, but he had to pull out of the ceremony after testing positive for Covid-19.

    Last year, musician and humanitarian Bono joined Jill Biden in her box at the State of the Union address, where he was recognized for his work fighting AIDS and building support for the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Bono and his U2 bandmates were also among the honorees for 2022’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. On Saturday, he’ll accept the Medal of Freedom.

    In the field of science, Biden will recognize Planetary Society CEO and climate advocate Bill Nye and world-famous conservationist Jane Goodall. Nye has partnered with the administration in the past to further the Biden White House’s climate initiatives, recording a 2021 interview with Biden at the White House to push the president’s “Build Back Better” plan. A pared down version of the legislation eventually based as the Inflation Reduction Act after the initial bill failed to garner sufficient support in Congress.

    Posthumous medals will be awarded to civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer and former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, while LGBT advocate Tim Gill, private equity leader David Rubenstein and American Film Institute and Kennedy Center Honors founder George Stevens Jr. round out the list.



    President Joe Biden announced today that he will be awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to several notable individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U2 frontman Bono. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

    In addition to Clinton and Bono, Biden will also be recognizing several other individuals for their achievements and contributions. Among them are civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, scientist and astronaut Mae Jemison, and musician Joni Mitchell.

    The ceremony to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom will take place next month at the White House, where the recipients will be honored for their dedication and service to their respective fields. Biden stated that he is proud to recognize these individuals for their outstanding achievements and for their impact on society.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this prestigious event as we celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals.

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  • Hillary Clinton, George Soros to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Hillary Clinton, George Soros to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom


    WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will award the nation’s highest civilian honor to more than a dozen politicians, philanthropists and cultural icons, the White House announced Saturday.

    The list of 19 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients includes former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire donor George Soros. The recipients are scheduled to receive the awards at a White House ceremony Saturday. Four people are being honored posthumously.

    The medal is “presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” the White House said in a news release.

    “These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place,” the statement added. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

    Clinton is set to receive the award about two weeks before her former political rival, President-elect Donald Trump, is sworn in for a second term. In 2016, Clinton became the first woman nominated by a major party for president before losing to Trump.

    Soros, who founded the Open Society Foundations, has contributed more than $32 billion to his organization, which supports a variety of human rights and pro-democracy causes, according to his website. He is also a major Democratic donor.

    Other recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday include humanitarian and chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen has helped provide food for civilians in war zones and areas hit by natural disasters; Jane Goodall, a highly acclaimed conservationist and scientist; and Bill Nye, a science educator who rose to fame with the show “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”

    Several entertainment, sports and cultural icons will also be honored, including U2 singer Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, athletes Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren.

    Biden will honor multiple recipients posthumously, including Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during a presidential run. Kennedy was a senator representing New York and had served as attorney general during the administration of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.

    Also being honored posthumously is Ashton Carter, who was secretary of defense during the Obama administration and oversaw the United States’ push against the Islamic State, and George Romney, the governor of Michigan during the 1960s and the father of former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah.

    Biden himself received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2017 during the final days of the Obama administration. Then-President Barack Obama surprised Biden with the award, which was presented “with distinction,” an added honor.

    Biden has awarded the medal to dozens of others during his four years in office. The ceremonies usually take place about once a year, though Biden also awarded former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards with the medal in November.

    Earlier this week, Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 recipients, including Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. Thompson and Cheney served on the House Jan. 6 committee and have faced Trump’s ire. The Presidential Citizens Medal is the second-highest civilian honor, behind the Presidential Medal of Freedom.



    In a surprising announcement, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire philanthropist George Soros are set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

    The decision to award this prestigious honor to Clinton and Soros has sparked controversy and divided opinions across the political spectrum. Supporters of the two recipients see them as champions of democracy and human rights, while critics argue that their actions and beliefs do not align with the values of the Medal of Freedom.

    Clinton, who made history as the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party in 2016, has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and has dedicated her life to public service. Soros, known for his philanthropic efforts and support for progressive causes, has been a vocal advocate for democracy and social justice.

    The Presidential Medal of Freedom is typically awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The decision to award it to Clinton and Soros is sure to generate continued debate and discussion in the coming weeks.

    What are your thoughts on this controversial decision? Let us know in the comments below.

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  • Who Are the 19 Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

    Who Are the 19 Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?


    President Biden is expected to recognize an expansive cast of public figures, celebrities and cultural luminaries on Saturday with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, covering a list of household names in his final ceremony as president.

    The 19 honorees include some of the Democratic Party’s best-known leaders and boosters: Hillary Clinton, the philanthropist and major Democratic donor George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, who will be given the recognition posthumously.

    The list Mr. Biden drew up also included famous figures in sports, entertainment, fashion and film. Here are each of the honorees.

    José Andrés

    Aside from his fame as a celebrity chef, Mr. Andrés’s philanthropy work became a highly visible element of the war in Gaza during Mr. Biden’s presidency, as his aid group, World Central Kitchen, assumed a dangerous role bringing food into the region after the war displaced the majority of its 2.2 million residents. Last year, seven people working for World Central Kitchen were killed by Israeli airstrikes while working in Gaza, drawing attention to the risk of famine during the war and the dangers facing aid workers.

    Bono

    The Irish singer-songwriter, whose band, U2, the president has described as a “bridge between Ireland and America,” has enjoyed a close friendship with Mr. Biden during his tenure. Mr. Biden personally introduced the band at the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors and hosted Bono at his 2023 State of the Union address.

    Ashton B. Carter (posthumous)

    Mr. Carter, a Rhodes scholar and trained physicist, served as defense secretary under President Barack Obama. He assumed the post after a lengthy Pentagon career and used his influence as defense secretary to expand military eligibility for women and transgender service members. He died at age 68 in 2022.

    Hillary Clinton

    As vice president, Mr. Biden served alongside Mrs. Clinton under Mr. Obama after competing with her for the presidential nomination.

    Michael J. Fox

    Mr. Fox is known for roles in the film “Back to the Future” and the 1980s sitcom “Family Ties.” He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 29 and has become a leading voice for research on the disease through his foundation.

    Tim Gill

    After founding the tech company Quark, which produced novel layout and design software through the 1980s and ’90s, Mr. Gill sold his stake to concentrate on charity work aimed at L.G.B.T.Q. rights and advocacy. His foundation has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in campaigns to shift policy on issues such as marriage equality and bullying in schools.

    Jane Goodall

    The scientist and activist, who turned 90 this year, is known for her breakthrough work on the study of primates and human evolution.

    Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)

    Ms. Hamer, a civil rights activist and the co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, fought for equal representation in politics after being born into sharecropping in the Jim Crow era. She died at age 60 in 1977.

    Earvin Johnson

    A five-time N.B.A. champion and basketball star known as “Magic,” Mr. Johnson became an influential voice off the court after publicly announcing an H.I.V. diagnosis in the early ’90s and helping to destigmatize living with the virus. He was also a close supporter of Mr. Biden during his presidential campaign, stumping for the president in Michigan.

    Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous)

    Robert F. Kennedy had a storied career in Democratic politics as a senator and the U.S. attorney general before his assassination in 1968. His son Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has embraced the G.O.P. and President-elect Donald J. Trump, and is Mr. Trump’s pick to be health secretary.

    Ralph Lauren

    The 85-year-old, whose clothes have been a favorite of Jill Biden’s throughout her time as first lady, is the first fashion designer to receive the Medal of Freedom.

    Lionel Messi

    The Argentine soccer superstar was included on the list just under two years after retiring from the heights of international soccer to play for Inter Miami. His presence in the American league has brought a surge of viewership and revenue to the club.

    Bill Nye

    Implanted in the psyche of millions of children through his role as the host of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” Mr. Nye re-emerged after the show ended in 1999 as a popular personality on TikTok and an advocate for science and climate policy.

    George W. Romney (posthumous)

    A former chairman of the American Motors Corporation, Mr. Romney, a Republican, later served as a three-term governor of Michigan and as President Richard M. Nixon’s housing secretary. As governor, he embraced a range of progressive policy stances including supporting civil rights initiatives and opposing the war in Vietnam. He died at age 88 in 1995.

    David M. Rubenstein

    The billionaire co-founder of the Carlyle Group has donated to fund work on some of the best-known spaces around Washington, including the Washington Monument and the National Zoo.

    George Soros

    An ally of Mr. Biden and a fierce supporter of liberal causes, Mr. Soros is among several prominent Democratic figures to receive the award during Mr. Biden’s presidency. A billionaire and Democratic megadonor, Mr. Soros has become a polarizing figure in American politics, often vilified by conservative commentators.

    George Stevens Jr.

    Mr. Stevens is a filmmaker, a producer and the founder of the American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors. His writing and producing credits include the 1998 film “The Thin Red Line” and a play about the life of Thurgood Marshall. Outside of film and the stage, his work has focused on preserving American cinematic heritage.

    Denzel Washington

    An acclaimed actor and the national spokesman for Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 30 years, Mr. Washington was selected by Mr. Biden to receive the award in 2022 but missed the ceremony after testing positive for the coronavirus.

    Anna Wintour

    Ms. Wintour is the editor in chief of Vogue, a position she has held since 1988. A key fund-raiser at the center of Democratic celebrity circles, she has also served as the co-chairwoman of the annual Met Gala.



    The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

    There have been 19 recipients of this prestigious award so far, each one a shining example of excellence and dedication in their respective fields. From renowned artists and musicians to groundbreaking scientists and activists, the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom represent the best and brightest of American society.

    Join me as we explore the incredible achievements and contributions of these 19 remarkable individuals who have been honored with this esteemed award. Their stories are sure to inspire and uplift us all.

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  • Presidential Medal of Valor to be awarded to FDNY firefighters Lt. John Vanderstar and Brendan Gaffney by Biden


    WASHINGTON (WABC) — Two members of the FDNY will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Valor on Friday.

    President Joe Biden is set to award the Medal of Honor to military recipients who displayed heroism and self-sacrifice in combat and the Medal of Valor to first responders who put their own lives at risk to save others.

    Lt. John Vanderstar, an FDNY firefighter, is receiving the Medal of Valor for his heroics back in Oct. 23, 2022, when he raced through raging flames in a Bronx apartment to rescue a mother and daughter who were trapped in a fire in a back bedroom.

    Separately, FDNY firefighter Brendan Gaffney is also being honored after rushing into a burning building in Inwood twice, first to save an unconscious child, and again, to save a pregnant woman.

    President Biden will also award six others the Medal of Valor, including the law enforcement officials who responded to a shooter who killed six people on March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, and Sgt. Tu Tran of the Lincoln, Nebraska, Police Department. Tran swam 30 feet (9 meters) into a frigid pond to rescue a woman from a submerging vehicle.

    The recipients of the Medal of Honor are Korean War and Vietnam War veterans.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    President Joe Biden will be awarding the prestigious Presidential Medal of Valor to two brave FDNY firefighters, Lt. John Vanderstar and Brendan Gaffney, for their heroic actions in the line of duty.

    Lt. Vanderstar and Firefighter Gaffney displayed exceptional courage and selflessness during a recent fire rescue operation, risking their own lives to save those trapped inside a burning building. Their quick thinking, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to their duty as first responders undoubtedly saved lives and prevented a potential tragedy.

    The Presidential Medal of Valor is the highest national award that can be bestowed upon a public safety officer, and it is a fitting tribute to the extraordinary bravery and heroism demonstrated by Lt. Vanderstar and Firefighter Gaffney.

    Join us in congratulating these true American heroes on this well-deserved honor and thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Their actions serve as a shining example of the courage and commitment displayed by first responders across the country every day.

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  • President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal

    President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal


    WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden named twenty recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal.

    The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.

    The awards will be presented at the White House on January 2, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal:

    Mary L. Bonauto

    Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.

    Bill Bradley

    Raised in small-town Missouri, Bill Bradley showed a dedication to basketball that would define his courage, discipline, and selflessness. A two-time NBA Champion and Hall-of-Fame New York Knick, he served three terms as a United States Senator from New Jersey and was a candidate for president, advancing tax reform, water rights, civil rights, and more, while still today seeking to deepen our common humanity with humility and heart.

    Frank K. Butler, Jr.

    As a pioneering innovator, Navy Seal, and leader in dive medicine, Dr. Frank Butler introduced Tactical Combat Casualty Care to the medical world that set new standards for tourniquet use not only for injuries in war, but injuries across daily civilian life. He has transformed battlefield trauma care for the United States military and saved countless lives.

    Elizabeth L. Cheney

    Throughout two decades in public service, including as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.

    Christopher J. Dodd

    Chris Dodd has served our Nation with distinction for more than 50 years as a United States Congressman, Senator, respected lawyer, and diplomat. From advancing childcare, to reforming our financial markets, to fostering partnerships across the Western Hemisphere—he has stood watch over America as a beacon to the world.

    Diane Carlson Evans

    After serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War, Diane Carlson Evans founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation to ensure female service members received the recognition they deserve—one of our Nation’s most sacred obligations. Her duty and devotion embody the very best of who we are as Americans.

    Joseph L. Galloway (posthumous)

    From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, Joe Galloway spent decades sharing first-hand accounts of horror, humanity, and heroism in battle. Known as the soldier’s reporter and the soldier’s friend, he embedded with American troops, rescued wounded soldiers under fire, and became the only civilian awarded a Bronze Star for combat valor by the United States Army as one of the most respected war correspondents of his era.

    Nancy Landon Kassebaum

    The first woman to represent Kansas, Nancy Kassebaum was a force in the United States Senate. From supporting a woman’s right to choose to reforming health care, she stood up for what she believed in even if it meant standing alone, and she reached across the aisle to do what she believed was right.

    Ted Kaufman

    For decades, including as a United States Senator from Delaware, Ted Kaufman has served the Nation with honesty and integrity. A master of the Senate who championed everyday Americans and public servants, he’s been at the forefront of consequential debates about the courts, the financial system, and more.

    Carolyn McCarthy

    As a nurse, Carolyn McCarthy had an instinct to heal and serve. When her husband and son were shot on a local commuter train, she became an advocate so persuasive that she was recruited to run for Congress. She served 18 years, championing gun safety measures including improved background checks, as a citizen legislator devoted to protecting our Nation’s welfare.

    Louis Lorenzo Redding (posthumous)

    A groundbreaking civil rights advocate, Louis was the first Black attorney admitted to the bar in Delaware, where he argued against segregation in the seminal cases of Bulah v. Gebhart and Belton v. Gebhart—laying the legal framework for Brown v. Board of Education. A towering figure and a generous mentor, he opened doors of equity and opportunity for all Americans.

    Bobby Sager

    A Boston native, Bobby Sager travels the world as a photographer and philanthropist grounded in family and empathy, wielding his camera and influence to connect with people in war-torn countries, capture their hope and humanity, and inspire others to take action and see a fuller portrait of the planet we all share.

    Collins J. Seitz (posthumous)

    As a state judge in Delaware, Judge Seitz became the first judge in America to integrate a white public school, dismantling the doctrine of “separate but equal” with exacting detail and reverence for the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of our Constitution. His brave ruling tore down walls of separation to help us see each other as fellow Americans.

    Eleanor Smeal

    From leading massive protests and galvanizing women’s votes in the 1970s to steering progress for equal pay and helping the Violence Against Women Act become law, Ellie Smeal forced the Nation to not only include women in political discourse but to value them as power brokers and equals. Her strategic vision over more than 40 years embodies the American pursuit to create a fairer, more just world.

    Bennie G. Thompson

    Born and raised in a segregated Mississippi, as a college student inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Bennie Thompson volunteered on campaigns and registered southern Black voters. That call to serve eventually led him to Congress, where he chaired the House January 6th Committee—at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.

    Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi (posthumous)

    In a shameful chapter in our Nation’s history, Mitsuye Endo was incarcerated alongside more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Undaunted, she challenged the injustice and reached the Supreme Court. Her resolve allowed thousands of Japanese Americans to return home and rebuild their lives, reminding us that we are a Nation that stands for freedom for all.

    Thomas J. Vallely

    A United States Marine during the Vietnam War, Thomas Vallely has never given up on peace. Over the course of five decades, he has brought Vietnam and the United States together—establishing Fulbright University Vietnam, fostering greater economic and cultural exchange, and overcoming the perils of the past to seize the promise of the future. His service remains a symbol of American leadership in the world.

    Frances M. Visco

    As president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Fran Visco has fought tirelessly and fearlessly to increase Federal funding for breast cancer research, early detection education, and access to women’s healthcare. As a breast cancer survivor, she turned pain into purpose, changed the landscape of breast cancer advocacy, and has become a powerful symbol of hope for the Nation.

    Paula S. Wallace

    A lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts, Paula Wallace dreamt of a school that would transform how we think about professional education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, she has guided thousands of students into creative industries.

    Evan Wolfson

    By leading the marriage equality movement, Evan Wolfson helped millions of people in all 50 states win the fundamental right to love, marry, and be themselves. For 32 years, starting with a visionary law school thesis, Evan Wolfson worked with singular focus and untiring optimism to change not just the law, but society—pioneering a political playbook for change and sharing its lessons, even now, with countless causes worldwide.

    ###



    President Biden has announced the recipients of the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal, which honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the United States and its citizens. This year’s recipients include a diverse group of individuals from various fields, ranging from healthcare to education to social justice.

    Among the recipients are healthcare workers who have gone above and beyond to care for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers who have dedicated their lives to educating and inspiring the next generation, and activists who have fought tirelessly for social justice and equality.

    President Biden praised the recipients for their selfless dedication to serving others and their commitment to making the world a better place. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of everyday citizens who work tirelessly to make a positive impact on their communities.

    The Presidential Citizens Medal is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, and the recipients of this year’s award truly embody the spirit of service and citizenship that the medal represents. Congratulations to all of the recipients on this well-deserved honor!

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    President Biden, Presidential Citizens Medal, recipients, award ceremony, community service, citizens honor, White House announcement

    #President #Biden #Announces #Recipients #Presidential #Citizens #Medal

  • Biden to award Presidential Citizens Medal to key members of House Jan. 6 committee

    Biden to award Presidential Citizens Medal to key members of House Jan. 6 committee


    President Joe Biden will award Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who served as chair and vice chair of the now-defunct House Jan. 6 committee, with the Presidential Citizens Medal during a ceremony at the White House on Thursday.

    The medal is the second-highest civilian award in the United States, behind only the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    Thompson and Cheney’s inclusion on the list of honorees comes as President-elect Donald Trump has increasingly threatened to punish former members of the House Jan. 6 committee, which examined his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol during its 18-month investigation.

    In a December interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Trump said that former members of the committee, which included just two Republicans — Cheney and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill. — “should go to jail.”

    The comment came as Trump also detailed his plans to pardon the rioters who have been convicted for their roles in the attack at the Capitol that day.

    Thompson has fired back on the notion that Trump could jail members of the committee, telling reporters on Capitol Hill in December that the committee did nothing “that violates the law.”

    In a lengthy statement after Trump’s “Meet the Press” interview, Cheney also blasted the president-elect’s comments, saying, “Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of Congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.”

    House Republicans have also attacked Cheney for her role on the committee. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., called for the former congresswoman’s role in the Jan. 6 committee to be investigated, alleging that she engaged in witness tampering.

    Thompson has also suggested that he would accept a preemptive pardon from the president before he leaves office if Biden offered.

    “It’s [Biden’s] prerogative. If he offers it to me or other members of the committee … I would accept it, but it’s his choice,” Thompson told CNN last month.

    President Joe Biden boards Air Force One
    President Joe Biden will honor more than a dozen Americans at the ceremony including marriage equality and civil rights activists.Chris Kleponis / AFP – Getty Images

    The comment came days after two sources familiar told NBC News that Biden and his senior aides had discussed issuing preemptive pardons for those who could become targets of Trump in his next administration.

    Thompson and Cheney are among more than a dozen Americans that Biden will honor on Thursday. Other recipients include former Sens. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, Bill Bradley of New Jersey, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas and Ted Kaufman of Delaware.

    Several veterans, marriage equality activists, women’s rights activists and civil rights advocates are also set to be honored.

    Alexandra Marquez

    Alexandra Marquez is a politics reporter for NBC News.

    Gabe Gutierrez, Kelly O’Donnell, Rebecca Shabad and Sarah Dean contributed.



    President Joe Biden announced today that he will be awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to key members of the House Jan. 6 committee in recognition of their dedication to upholding democracy and seeking justice for the events that took place on January 6, 2021.

    The Presidential Citizens Medal is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. The members of the House Jan. 6 committee have been at the forefront of investigating the Capitol insurrection and holding those responsible accountable.

    In a statement, President Biden praised the committee members for their tireless efforts to uncover the truth and defend the democratic values that are the foundation of our nation. He emphasized the importance of their work in ensuring that such a heinous attack on our democracy never happens again.

    The award ceremony will take place in the coming weeks, where the committee members will receive their medals in recognition of their courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. This honor serves as a reminder of the critical role that each of us plays in safeguarding our democracy and upholding the principles that make America great.

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  • Biden to honor Liz Cheney with Presidential Citizens Medal, report says

    Biden to honor Liz Cheney with Presidential Citizens Medal, report says


    WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Joe Biden on Thursday will honor former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the White House reportedly announced.

    The medal, according to the National Archives, recognizes “citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” It is the nation’s second-highest civilian award, behind only the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    The White House explained Cheney will receive the award in part for her work on the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, according to The New York Times.

    “Throughout two decades in public service, including as a congresswoman for Wyoming and vice chair of the committee on the Jan. 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice — and reached across the aisle — to defend our nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency,” the White House told The New York Times. “Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.”

    A total of 20 people will reportedly receive the medal Thursday, including Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chaired the January 6 Committee.

    The White House did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

    Cheney was a vocal supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris during her recent presidential bid. The former congresswoman last year predicted “millions of Republicans” would back Harris in the election.

    “Donald Trump is doing everything he can to try to get people to forget about what he did on January 6,” she said in October. “When you think about that level of instability, that level of erratic decision making, the misogyny, that’s not someone that you can trust with the power of the Oval Office.”

    “I would just remind people, if you’re at all concerned, you can vote your conscience and not ever have to say a word to anybody,” she added.

    White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in December would not commit to an answer when pressed on whether the White House would issue preemptive pardons for Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci.

    “It would be a bad move on my behalf if I preempted the president or previewed anything that the president was thinking about considering and so, this is something he is going to talk with his team about and I just don’t have anything beyond that for you,” Jean-Pierre said.

    That response followed Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after previously promising not to.

    “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg suggested in November Cheney would be a “great” attorney general under a potential Harris presidency. The suggestion came while Cheney was a guest on the daytime talk show.

    Goldberg lauded Cheney for her “moral core” as the former congresswoman shook her head in response.

    Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.





    According to reports, President Joe Biden is set to honor Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney with the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal. This award is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive and is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and its citizens.

    Cheney has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has stood firm in her beliefs, even in the face of backlash from her own party. She has been praised for her courage and integrity in standing up for what she believes is right, even when it is not popular.

    The decision to award Cheney with the Presidential Citizens Medal is seen as a bold move by President Biden, who is known for reaching across the aisle and working with members of both parties. This gesture is not only a recognition of Cheney’s service and dedication to the country but also a symbol of unity and bipartisanship in a time of deep political division.

    Many are applauding the decision to honor Cheney with this prestigious award, citing her courage, integrity, and commitment to upholding democratic values. The ceremony is set to take place in the coming weeks, and it is sure to be a momentous occasion for both Cheney and the country as a whole.

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  • Biden will award Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 people, including Liz Cheney

    Biden will award Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 people, including Liz Cheney


    President Joe Biden is bestowing the second highest civilian medal on Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, leaders of the congressional investigation into the Capitol riot who Donald Trump has said should be jailed for their roles in the inquiry.

    Biden will award the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 people in a ceremony Thursday at the White House, including Americans who fought for marriage equality, a pioneer in treating wounded soldiers, and two of the president’s longtime friends, former Sens. Ted Kaufman, D-Del., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

    “President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others,” the White House said in a statement. “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”

    Biden last year honored people who were involved in defending the Capitol from a mob of angry Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, or who helped safeguard the will of American voters during the 2020 presidential election, when Trump tried and failed to overturn the results.

    Cheney, a former Wyoming congresswoman, and Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, led the House committee that investigated the insurrection. The committee’s final report asserted that Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the lawful results of the election he lost to Biden and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol. Thompson wrote that Trump “lit that fire.”

    Cheney, who lost her seat in the GOP primary in August, later said she would vote for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race and campaigned with the Democratic nominee, raising Trump’s ire. Biden has been considering whether to offer preemptive pardons to Cheney and others Trump has targeted.

    Trump, who won the 2024 election and will take office Jan. 20, still refuses to back away from his lies about the 2020 presidential race and has said he would pardon the rioters once he is back in the White House.

    During an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the president-elect said that “Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps,” claiming without evidence they “deleted and destroyed” testimony they collected.

    “Honestly, they should go to jail,” he said.

    Cheney and Thompson were “an embarrassment to this country” for their conduct on the committee, Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung asserted.

    Biden is also giving the award to attorney Mary Bonauto, who fought to legalize same-sex marriage, and Evan Wolfson, a leader of the marriage equality movement.

    Other honorees include Frank Butler, who set new standards for using tourniquets on war injuries; Diane Carlson Evans, an Army nurse during the Vietnam War who founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation; and Eleanor Smeal, an activist who led women’s rights protests in the 1970s and fought for equal pay.

    He’s also giving the award to photographer Bobby Sager, academics Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace, and Frances Visco, the president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

    Other former lawmakers being honored include former Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J.; former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman to represent Kansas; and former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., who championed gun safety measures after her son and husband were shot to death.

    Biden will honor four people posthumously: Joseph Galloway, a former war correspondent who wrote about the first major battle in Vietnam in the book “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young”; civil rights advocate and attorney Louis Lorenzo Redding; former Delaware judge Collins Seitz; and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who was held with other Japanese Americans during World War II and challenged the detention.

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





    President Joe Biden has announced that he will award the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals, including Republican Representative Liz Cheney. The award is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and their communities.

    Cheney, who has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and his handling of the 2020 election, is being recognized for her courage and integrity in standing up for democracy and the rule of law. Despite facing backlash from within her own party, Cheney has remained steadfast in her commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending the integrity of the electoral process.

    In a statement, President Biden praised Cheney and the other recipients of the award, saying, “These individuals represent the best of America – they are dedicated, courageous, and committed to making a positive impact on the world around them. I am honored to recognize their contributions and grateful for their service to our country.”

    The Presidential Citizens Medal will be presented to Cheney and the other honorees at a ceremony later this year. Congratulations to all the recipients on this well-deserved honor! #PresidentialCitizensMedal #LizCheney #JoeBiden

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    Biden, Presidential Citizens Medal, Liz Cheney, awards, recognition, honor, White House, ceremony, distinguished individuals, public service, government recognition

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