That's why he gave Rush the medal now.
Yup. Rush may very well be incapacitated or interred by next week at this rate re: cancer. Giving him the medal last night (A) ensured he got it while still able to with dignity, and (B) gave him the largest audience possible. Given the nature of his work, Rush has earned a bigger forum for the presentation than a few onlookers in the Oval Office.
Yes. OTOH,Trump Claims End of ‘American Decline’ While Avoiding Mention of Impeachment in State of the Union. . . and putting the president’s imprimatur on Rush - who has been an outspoken critic of Schiffpeachment - actually is a reply to impeachment.