Trump ‘to award Medal of Freedom to allies Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan’

Both representatives supported president during Russia investigation and impeachment inquiry

President Donald Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to two of his most vocal political allies before he leaves office later in January, according to a number of reports.

The President will bestow the highest honor in the US for a civilian to staunch ally California Rep Devin Nunes on Monday, The Washington Post first reported.

Rep Jim Jordan of Ohio is also expected to receive the award in the coming days, according to The New York Times, but those plans have reportedly not yet been finalised.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom acknowledges “exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Members of Congress have received the honour in the past but it has typically been granted at the end of a lawmaker’s time in public service or in recognition for an unrelated achievement, according to The Times.

Both Rep Nunes and Rep Jordan stood as some of the president's most outspoken defenders who supported him during the 2016 investigations into Russian interference and the House’s impeachment inquiry in 2019.

In a 2018 interview with Fox & Friends, Mr Trump previously suggested that Rep Nunes should receive the medal for his work during the Russia investigation, which he branded a "witch hunt."

"If this turns out as everyone thinks it will, Devin Nunes should get the Medal of Honor," he said, before clarifying that he meant the Medal of Freedom.

"What he's gone through, and his bravery, he should get a very important medal."

The ceremony for Rep Nunes was not listed on the president’s public schedule released by the White House.  

The White House did not immediately respond to The Independent’s request for comment regarding reports of the ceremonies.

The men are just two amid a host of other individuals who have put their names on the list for the medal or urged allies to do so on their behalf, CNN reported, citing multiple White House officials.