Biden Reveals Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

On January 4, President Joe Biden revealed the names of 19 individuals who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year. The list features renowned actors, musicians, athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs, and influential political figures.

This prestigious civilian award is bestowed upon those 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.”

The awards will be presented during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday.

“President Biden believes that great leaders uphold faith, offer everyone an equal opportunity, and prioritize decency above all,” stated a news release from the White House.

“These nineteen Americans exemplify great leadership and have significantly improved America. They are esteemed leaders because they are genuinely good people who have made remarkable contributions to their nation and the world.”

Among the recipients, three notable political figures span the ideological spectrum: former Democratic Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Republican Michigan Governor George Romney, and Democratic former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Kennedy received recognition for his role in combating racial segregation during the civil rights movement and his work as a senator aimed at addressing poverty and inequality. Romney, who was also the father of former senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), served as the chairman and president of American Motors Corporation and as the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Clinton was honored for her extensive public service record, being the first First Lady to serve in the Senate and the first woman nominated for president by a major political party.

Other honorees include U2’s Bono, actor Michael J. Fox, conservationist Jane Goodall, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, fashion icon Ralph Lauren, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, scientist and television personality William “Bill” Nye, actor Denzel Washington, and philanthropist George Soros, known for his left-leaning donations.

Several of the awardees were recognized for their philanthropic endeavors beyond their professional lives, particularly Fox, who is a globally respected advocate for research and development related to Parkinson’s disease.

According to the White House, “[Goodall] is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose work has reshaped our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is an avid supporter of empowering individuals and communities to safeguard and restore the natural world.”

Soros was honored for his support of “organizations and initiatives worldwide that champion democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” despite facing political criticism for his funding choices.

Other recipients include renowned chef José Andrés, former Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, entrepreneur Tim Gill, Civil Rights champion Fannie Lou Hamer, philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, acclaimed writer and playwright George Stevens, Jr., and Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine.