In a surprise move, US President Joe Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and billionaire Democratic megadonor George Soros.
The ceremony took place at the White House on Saturday, where 17 other recipients also received the prestigious award.
What is the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The White House described the recipients as “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
President Biden believes that great leaders “keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.”
A List of Distinguished Recipients
Other notable recipients of the award include U2 lead singer Bono, soccer star Lionel Messi, Vogue icon Anna Wintour, and NBA legend Magic Johnson.
The list also features Hollywood A-listers, superstar athletes, and American cultural icons such as Michael J. Fox, Ralph Lauren, and Denzel Washington.
Controversy Surrounds the Awards
The decision to honor Hillary Clinton and George Soros has sparked outrage online, with some critics expressing their disappointment and frustration.
Montana’s new Senator Tim Sheehy called the move a “national disgrace,” while Missouri senator Josh Hawley stated that Hillary Clinton “should have been prosecuted, not celebrated with the nation’s highest civilian honor.”
Hillary Clinton’s Legacy
Hillary Clinton, 77, has made history many times over decades in public service. She received the medal nearly 12 years after her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was bestowed the honor by former President Barack Obama.
Clinton was the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party in 2016, but her bid to become the nation’s first female president was unsuccessful.
George Soros’ Philanthropic Efforts
George Soros, 94, is a philanthropist who founded the Open Society Foundations four decades ago. Through his network of foundations, he has supported organizations and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.
However, his philanthropic efforts have also been criticized by some, who accuse him of promoting progressive ideologies and funding far-left causes.
A Celebration of Excellence
Despite the controversy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony is a celebration of excellence and a recognition of the outstanding contributions made by the recipients.
The awards honor individuals who have made a significant impact on the world, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to others.
The Full List of Recipients
The full list of recipients includes:
- Bono, frontman of rock band U2
- Michael J. Fox, “Back to the Future” star
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers legend
- Ralph Lauren, visionary fashion designer
- Lionel Messi, MLS star and captain of Argentina’s World Cup-winning soccer team
- Denzel Washington, Academy-Award-winning actor
- Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue
- William Sanford Nye, television presenter better known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy”
- Robert Francis Kennedy, slain former New York senator and US Attorney-General
- Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and anthropologist
- David M. Rubenstein, billionaire co-founder of The Carlye Group
- José Andrés, celebrity chef and founder of the World Central Kitchen charity group
- Ashton Baldwin Carter, former Defense Secretary
- Tim Gill, entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBT rights
- George W. Romney, late businessman and former Michigan governor
- George Stevens, Jr., author and playwright
- Fannie Lou Hamer, late civil rights leader and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party