President Joe Biden Honors Extraordinary Americans with Presidential Medal of Freedom

On Saturday, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden presented the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 20 individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, scientist Bill Nye, and actor Denzel Washington. Due to a scheduling conflict, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi was unable to attend the ceremony at the White House.

In a heartfelt speech, Biden described the recipients as "extraordinary people" who shaped America’s culture and values through their dedication and efforts. Former President Bill Clinton, members of his Cabinet, and other notable figures attended the event in the East Room. The president emphasized that the honorees’ influence extends globally, inspiring unity and showcasing the nation’s limitless potential.

Posthumous awards were given to Fannie Lou Hamer, a trailblazer for racial justice; Ashton Carter, former Secretary of Defense; Robert F. Kennedy, a champion against racial segregation; and George W. Romney, a businessman and political leader. Their family members accepted the awards on their behalf.

Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation. A citation highlighted her contributions, from advocating for children’s rights as a lawyer to championing democracy worldwide as Secretary of State. George Soros’s son, Alex, accepted the award on his behalf, praising his father’s legacy of promoting justice and equity through the Open Society Foundations.

However, Biden’s decision to honor Soros drew criticism from Republican leaders, with some calling it a controversial choice. Despite the backlash, Soros expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating the award symbolizes a commitment to freedom and democracy worldwide. The ceremony underscored the enduring impact of these individuals in shaping America’s ideals and fostering global progress.