WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is set to bestow the nation’s highest civilian honor upon over a dozen notable figures, including politicians, philanthropists, and cultural icons, as announced by the White House on Saturday.
Among the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The awards are scheduled to be presented at a ceremony held at the White House on Saturday, with four individuals being honored posthumously.
According to a news release from the White House, the medal is awarded to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, as well as efforts towards world peace and other significant societal endeavors.
“These nineteen Americans are exemplary leaders who have significantly contributed to the betterment of America,” the statement emphasized. “Their extraordinary efforts have made a lasting impact on both their nation and the global community.”
Clinton is slated to receive the prestigious award just prior to the inauguration of her former political opponent, President-elect Donald Trump, for his second term. In 2016, Clinton made history as the first woman nominated by a major party for the presidency, ultimately losing to Trump.
Soros, known for founding the Open Society Foundations, has dedicated over $32 billion to his organization, which champions various human rights and pro-democracy causes. He is also a notable Democratic supporter.
Additional recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include humanitarian and chef José Andrés, renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, and science educator Bill Nye.
The list of honorees extends to entertainment, sports, and cultural spheres, featuring personalities such as U2 singer Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, athletes Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren.
In a gesture of remembrance, President Biden will honor several recipients posthumously, including Robert F. Kennedy, Ashton Carter, and George Romney, for their significant contributions to public service.
President Biden himself was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2017 by then-President Barack Obama. The ceremony typically occurs annually, with Biden having bestowed the medal on numerous individuals throughout his tenure in office.
Earlier this week, Biden also presented the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 recipients, including Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney, for their roles in the House Jan. 6 committee investigations. The Presidential Citizens Medal ranks as the second-highest civilian honor, following the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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