In a chilly Saturday ceremony held in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden honored 19 notable individuals from various fields, presenting them with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. This event celebrated figures from politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science, reflecting their significant contributions to American society.
Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, received a warm standing ovation as she accepted her medal, joined by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, their daughter Chelsea, and grandchildren. Notable awardees also included Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington, both recognized for their impactful work.
During his introductory remarks, President Biden expressed gratitude to the honorees, stating, “For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom…to extraordinary people who gave their sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America.” He continued to emphasize his appreciation with a heartfelt “thank you” to the recipients for their contributions to the country.
The ceremony saw the presentation of four posthumous medals. Honorees included George W. Romney, who served as Michigan’s governor and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; former Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former Secretary of Defense; and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, who played a critical role in establishing the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and advocating for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Biden paid tribute to Kennedy, calling him “one of my true political heroes” and mentioning the shared legacy of the Kennedy family. He also noted that Romney was the father of former Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a vocal critic of Donald Trump.
With only days remaining in his presidency, Biden has been dedicating time to honoring brave military veterans, courageous law enforcement officers, and dedicated citizens. According to the White House, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to those making remarkable contributions to the nation, world peace, or significant societal initiatives.
Philanthropic figures like José Andrés, who leads the World Central Kitchen food relief organization, and U2’s lead singer Bono, recognized for his advocacy work, were also among the awardees. Alex Soros accepted his father’s medal and expressed his deep appreciation for the honor as an immigrant who found freedom in America.
In the realm of sports and entertainment, the event recognized several stars including professional soccer icon Lionel Messi, who was unable to attend, along with retired NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actor Michael J. Fox, known for his advocacy around Parkinson’s disease, and Bill Nye, the beloved science educator.
Other recipients included renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, longtime Vogue editor Anna Wintour, fashion designer Ralph Lauren—who made history as the first designer to receive the award—American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr., LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group investment firm.
Last year, Biden similarly honored 19 individuals, including late civil rights leader Medgar Evers and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which has been awarded 654 times since its inception in 1963, has recognized notable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa throughout its history.
