As Joe Biden completes his last few weeks in the White House, he has honored 19 recipients, both alive and dead, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – and some of his picks have ruffled feathers.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the US’ highest civilian honor that is presented to individuals who make ‘exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States’ and beyond, according to the White House.
Among the list of recipients that received the honor on Saturday are Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, fashionista and Vogue head Anna Wintour, designer Ralph Lauren, and scientist Jane Goodall, among others.
‘President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,’ a press release read.
‘These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.’
Here is the full list of this year’s Presidential Metal of Freedom recipients.
The Politicians and Government Workers
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton, 77, served alongside Biden under the Barack Obama Administration, where she served as the secretary of state while Biden was VP from 2009 to 2013
Hillary Clinton, 77, served alongside Biden under the Barack Obama Administration, where she served as the secretary of state while Biden was VP from 2009 to 2013.
The former first lady also served as a senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. She was the first first lady to be elected to the Senate.
The mother-of-one and Yale graduate was also the first woman to ever be nominated for president by a major US political party.
Biden chose Clinton for her decades of public service, including tirelessly advocating for women’s rights.
‘Women’s rights are human rights,’ the then-First-Lady said in a keynote speech at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995.
‘If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights, once and for all.’
Robert F. Kennedy (deceased)
RFK was assassinated in June 1968 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 42
Kerry Kennedy received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in RFK’s honor
RFK is most well-known for being assassinated in June 1968 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 42.
His murderer, Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian, said he shot the politician for his pro-Israel sympathies after Kennedy supported the now-war-torn country after the Six-Day War, according to History Today.
RFK Sr. was in the midst of his 1968 presidential campaign when he lost his life.
Kennedy was the brother of former President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated five years before him.
RFK served as US attorney general under his uncle’s administration after working as a manager on John’s presidential campaign.
He also served as a senator for New York from 1965 to his death.
Biden choose Kennedy as a recipient for ‘fiercely combating racial segregation’ and for seeking to solve poverty and inequality in the US.
‘His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service,’ a press release read.
Ashton B. Carter (deceased)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Defense Secretary from 2011 to 2013 under the Obama Administration
Ash Carter, who died in October 2022, served as the 25th Defense Secretary from 2011 to 2013 under the Obama Administration.
‘[He] devoted his career to making the nation safer for all,’ a press release read.
Throughout his government career, he served under 11 defense secretaries from both political parties.
The Yale graduate coauthored 11 books and more than 100 articles on physics, technology, national security and management, according to the Department of Defense.
He had a degree in physics and medieval history from Yale, where he graduated summa cum laude. Carter also received a doctorate in physics from Oxford University.
Hollywood’s A-List
Bono
Bono is mainly known for his role as the front man to the legendary band U2, but he spent a lot of his career pioneering against AIDs and poverty
Bono is mainly known for his role as the front man to the legendary band U2, but he spent a lot of his career pioneering against AIDs and poverty.
‘He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED),’ according to the White House.
Bono has 22 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is best known for his role in Back to the Future. The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 and became a leading voice for research for the incurable condition
Michael J. Fox is best known for his role in Back to the Future, and throughout his career, he won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy.
The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 and became a leading voice for research on the incurable condition.
He started the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which is based in New York.
‘He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development,’ the White House said.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren just happens to be one of Jill Biden’s favorite fashion designers. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Ralph Lauren just happens to be one of Jill Biden’s favorite fashion designers, according to The New York Times.
Jill was seen wearing his iconic designs multiple times throughout her time as First Lady.
Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
‘Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition,’ the White House said.
‘He has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.’
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington has more than 80 awards under his belt, including Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and Golden Globes, among others
Denzel Washington has more than 80 awards under his belt, including Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and Golden Globes, among others.
He is well-known for his roles in Malcolm X, Training Day and Flight.
He has also served as the national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is the queen of Vogue and the Met Gala and a renowned fashionista, but she is also a huge philanthropist
Anna Wintour is the queen of Vogue and the Met Gala and a renowned fashionista, but she is also a huge philanthropist.
She’s the leading architect behind the Met Gala’s annual fundraiser, which raised $26 million for the Met’s Costume Institute in 2024.
She is also the chief content officer for Condé Nast, as well as, the editor-in-chief for Vogue – a position she’s held since 1988.
Wintour is also a key fundraiser for Democrats.
George Stevens Jr.
George Stevens Jr. is the founder of the American Film Institute and created the Kennedy Center Honors, annual awards given to individual in the performing arts
George Stevens Jr. is an award-winning writer and director and has dedicated his career to preserving and celebrating the best of American films, according to the White House.
He’s also the founder of the American Film Institute and created the Kennedy Center Honors, annual awards given to individual in the performing arts.
He is also known for producing Separate But Equal, a 1991 mini series, and 1998’s The Thin Red Line.
José Andrés
José Andrés is a renowned celebrity chef, who is also a philanthropist, who recently help feed people in war-torn Gaza
José Andrés is a renowned celebrity chef, who is also a philanthropist.
He philanthropy work has become visible recently due to his aid group, World Central Kitchen, bringing food to the war-torn Gaza Strip after 2.2million were displaced.
Seven people who worked for his organization died by Israeli airstrikes while working in Gaza, according to The New York Times.
‘His World Central Kitchen provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world,’ the White House said.
The Scientists
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is known for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania
Jane Goodall is known for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Her scientific research ‘transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution,’ the White House said.
‘She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.’
The British scientist, who turned 90 this year, was a UN Messenger of Peace in 2002 and served as the Dame Commander of the Order for the British Empire in 2003.
She was awards the 2021 Templeton Prize and the 2022 Stephen Hawking Medical for Science Communication.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye is known by many Gen-Z for his role as Bill Nye the Science Guy, which ended in 1999
Bill Nye is known by many Millennials and Gen-Z-ers for his role as Bill Nye the Science Guy, which ended in 1999.
‘Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students,’ the White House said.
Recently, Nye has become a popular face on TikTok, where he spends his time advocating for climate change.
‘His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship,’ the press release read.
The Sports Stars
Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson
Magic Johnson is best known for his legendary basketball career, where he led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships
Magic Johnson is best known for his legendary basketball career, where he led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships.
However, off the court, he worked to help underserved communities through the Magic Johnson Foundation.
Johnson is also known for courageously admitting to having an HIV diagnosis in the early 1990s and helped to destigmatize the virus.
He also is a huge Biden supporter and gave a speech for the president at a Michigan event.
Lionel Messi
Messi is the most decorated player in the history of soccer
The Argentine soccer player‘s popularity helped revigorated the sport in America after he came to play for David Beckham’s Inter Miami team two years ago.
Messi is the most decorated player in the history of soccer.
Off the field, Messi works to support healthcare and education programs for children around the world though his Leo Messi Foundation. He started the foundation in 2007 when he was 20 years old.
He also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Messi also helped fight against COVID-19 in his home country. During the pandemic, he also encouraged his fellow Barcelona players to take a 70 percent pay cut in order to keep the club’s non-playing staff on payroll, according to Join the Planet.
The Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, and Activists
George Soros
George Soros is an ally to President Biden and a big supporter for liberal efforts
Soros’ son Alex accepted the award on his father’s behalf on Saturday
George Soros is an ally to President Biden and a big supporter for liberal efforts.
The billionaire is a megadonor to Democrats and is often vilified by Republicans.
His is also a philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations, a grantmaking organization to help civil society groups around the world.
‘Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,’ the White House said.
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is an entrepreneur who has worked to help the LGBT+ community. He sold his stake in his company to focus on charity work and has invested millions into the LGBT+ community
Tim Gill is an entrepreneur who has worked to help the LGBT+ community.
He gained his success through transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software and has since used his power to leverage for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.
His company, Quark, produced novel layout and design software from the 1980s to the 1990s.
He sold his stake to focus on charity work and has invested millions into the LGBT+ community.
George W. Romney (deceased)
George W. Romney is an American businessman who served as president and chair of American Motors Corporation
His son and fellow politician Mitt Romney accepted his award for him on Saturday
George W. Romney, who died in July 1995, is an American businessman who served as president and chair of American Motors Corporation.
He also served as the 43rd Governor of Michigan for three terms and was the third Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Richard Nixon.
While governor, he embraced progressive policies and supported civil rights initiatives. He also opposed the war in Vietnam.
His son and fellow politician Mitt Romney accepted his award for him on Saturday.
David M. Rubenstein
David M. Rubenstein is the cofounder of the Carlyle Group. He has donated funds to help work on the Washington Monument and the National Zoo
David M. Rubenstein is the cofounder of the Carlyle Group.
‘He built one of the most successful global investment firms,’ the White House said in a press release.
He has donated funds to help work on the Washington Monument and the National Zoo, according to The New York Times.
‘He is renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions,’ the White House said.
Rubenstein also started a scholarship in his name at his alma mater, Duke University, that helps first-generation, low-income students afford college.
He was the first member of his family to go to college, according to the university.
Fannie Lou Hamer (deceased)
Fannie Lou Hamer was a racial justice activist. She was the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and challenged the exclusion of black voices in politics
Her niece accepted her award on her behalf on Saturday
Fannie Lou Hamer, who died in March 1977, was a racial justice activist.
She was the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and challenged the exclusion of black voices in politics.
She also helped lay the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Hamer faced racism countless times, including when she was forced to receive a hysterectomy by a white doctor without her consent, was arrested for sitting at a ‘whites-only’ bus station restaurant in 1963, and more.
She also started the Freedom Farm Cooperative, which bought land for blacks to own and farm on collectively, according to the National Women’s History Museum.
Until it shutdown, it was one of the largest employers in Sunflower County in Mississippi.
Her niece accepted her award on her behalf on Saturday.
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