Hillary Clinton and George Soros Honoured with Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden

On a chilly Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 distinguished individuals in the East Room of the White House. The honourees came from various fields, including politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation as she accepted her medal, accompanied by her family.

Among the recipients were Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington. "For the final time as president I have the honour bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honour, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America," Biden stated in his opening remarks. He expressed gratitude to each recipient for their contributions to the nation.

Notable Posthumous Honours

Four medals were awarded posthumously. These went to George W. Romney, former Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Biden described Kennedy as one of his political heroes.

The White House highlighted that these recipients have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States." The awards also recognised efforts towards world peace and other significant societal endeavours. Soros' son Alex accepted the medal on behalf of his father. In an emailed statement, Soros expressed his deep appreciation for the honour as an immigrant who found freedom in America.

Celebrating Contributions Across Fields

Sports and entertainment figures honoured included soccer player Lionel Messi, who was absent from the event; retired basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, known for advocating Parkinson's disease research; and William Sanford Nye, popularly known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy." Conservationist Jane Goodall and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour were also recognised.

Other awardees included American fashion designer Ralph Lauren—marking the first time a fashion designer received this honour—American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr., entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and David Rubenstein from The Carlyle Group investment firm. Last year’s honourees included Medgar Evers and Nancy Pelosi.

A Legacy of Recognition

The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024. Past recipients include notable figures like Dr Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa. Biden has spent his remaining days in office recognising military veterans, law enforcement officials, and exceptional Americans with awards.

This ceremony underscores the diverse contributions made by individuals across different sectors to American society. It reflects a tradition of acknowledging those who have significantly impacted national values and global peace efforts.