FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 4, 2021

Government Accountability Project Condemns Awarding Devin Nunes with Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, President Donald Trump awarded Congressman Devin Nunes with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award intended to recognize individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public of private endeavors.”

The White House announced their decision was intended to award Rep. Nunes for his actions during the 116th Congress’ impeachment investigation. During the investigation, Rep. Nunes abandoned the longstanding, bipartisan practice of whistleblower protection and spurred attacks against a whistleblower and their legal advisors. Rep. Nunes has since blocked necessary reforms to the Intelligence Community whistleblowing system that passed with a bipartisan vote through the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

None of these actions advance the national interests of the United States. Instead, they damaged our national interests by derailing accountability and oversight. Government Accountability Project condemns the President’s decision to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom for attacking freedom of speech.

Irvin McCullough, a national security analyst with Government Accountability Project, remarked:

“Rep. Nunes abandoned the bipartisan tradition of whistleblower protection and chilled future whistleblowers from coming forward when they witness wrongdoing. There is no honor in attacking a first principle that sustains our democracy – freedom of speech to challenge abuses of power. It threatens America’s national interests to reward attacks on freedom.”

Contact: Andrew Harman, Communications Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 926-3304

Government Accountability Project

Government Accountability Project is the nation’s leading whistleblower protection organization. Through litigating whistleblower cases, publicizing concerns and developing legal reforms, Government Accountability Project’s mission is to protect the public interest by promoting government and corporate accountability. Founded in 1977, Government Accountability Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.

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