Numerous congressional Democrats criticized President Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy MORE Wednesday for awarding the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh during the State of the Union address the previous evening.

“There is no 'both sides' to this issue. Rush Limbaugh is a racist who uses his platform to inspire other racists,” Rep. Bobby Rush Bobby Lee RushCongress should investigate OAS actions in Bolivia Rep. Bobby Rush introduces legislation focused on addressing racism, lack of diversity in the federal government House Democrat introduces bill to replace Confederate monuments nationwide MORE (D-Ill.) tweeted. “Rewarding him with a #MedalOfFreedom is a slap in the face to every person who ACTUALLY deserved that honor.”

There is no "both sides" to this issue. Rush Limbaugh is a racist who uses his platform to inspire other racists. Rewarding him with a #MedalOfFreedom is a slap in the face to every person who ACTUALLY deserved that honor. https://t.co/XHG2LRKhj6 — Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) February 5, 2020

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“It’s disappointing President Trump presented Rush Limbaugh, someone who has dedicated their life to dividing this country, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and not Brigadier General and Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee,” tweeted Rep. Marcy Kaptur Marcia (Marcy) Carolyn KapturUkraine language in GOP platform underscores Trump tensions Eye on gavel, Wasserman Schultz proposes panel on racial inequality in spending Overnight Defense: Army now willing to rename bases named after Confederates | Dems demand answers on 'unfathomable' nuke testing discussions | Pentagon confirms death of north African al Qaeda leader MORE (D-Ohio), referencing a veteran of the African American fighter pilot unit who was also a guest at the address.

It’s disappointing President Trump presented Rush Limbaugh, someone who has dedicated their life to dividing this country, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and not Brigadier General and Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee. — Marcy Kaptur (@RepMarcyKaptur) February 4, 2020

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Rep. Judy Chu Judy May ChuLawmakers of color blast Trump administration for reportedly instructing agencies to end anti-bias training Lawmakers of color urge Democratic leadership to protect underserved communities in coronavirus talks Geraldo Rivera to Trump: Asian friends of mine say 'China virus' has 'racial overtone' MORE (D-Calif.) tweeted several incendiary quotes from Limbaugh, including his 2012 reference to Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke as a “slut” and a “prostitute” for testifying in support of the Affordable Care Act’s birth control coverage mandate, as well as his false accusation that actor Michael J. Fox was “exaggerating the effects” of Parkinson’s disease for an ad in support of then-Senate candidate Claire McCaskill Claire Conner McCaskillDemocratic-linked group runs ads in Kansas GOP Senate primary Trump mocked for low attendance at rally Missouri county issues travel advisory for Lake of the Ozarks after Memorial Day parties MORE (D-Mo.).

And now, a thread of racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, and otherwise hateful quotes from Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Rush Limbaugh. You tell me if you think this represents the best of America: — Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) February 5, 2020

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Rep. James Himes (D-Conn.) tweeted a compilation of similar quotes paired with audio of Trump’s recognition of Limbaugh, adding that he had “deep sympathy for anyone facing a life-and-death health issue, and wish Mr. Limbaugh a speedy recovery” after the radio host’s announcement earlier this week that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

Congressional Republicans defended the decision to award Limbaugh the medal, with Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzLoeffler calls for hearing in wake of Netflix's 'Cuties' Health care in the crosshairs with new Trump Supreme Court list 'Parks and Rec' cast members hosting special reunion to raise money for Wisconsin Democrats MORE (R-Texas) calling him "a fierce freedom fighter and defender of the Constitution. He serves as an inspiration for the conservative movement and for Americans across the country" and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise Stephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseHouse GOP slated to unveil agenda ahead of election House panel details 'serious' concerns around Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin elections Scalise hit with ethics complaint over doctored Barkan video MORE (R-La.) claiming on Fox News that Limbaugh "inspired millions of people, still does, to this day" and criticizing Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPowell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy Overnight Defense: House to vote on military justice bill spurred by Vanessa Guillén death | Biden courts veterans after Trump's military controversies Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings MORE (D-Calif.) for not standing to honor him.