The outgoing president has awarded the US top civilian honor to 19 prominent individuals
US President Joe Biden has named 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s top civilian award, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and liberal billionaire financier George Soros.
The ceremony to present the awards was held at the White House on Saturday. This honor is given to 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,” according to a statement from the White House.
Soros was recognized for his efforts to “strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice” through his Open Society Foundations, as well as “partners and projects in more than 120 countries.” The 94-year-old billionaire did not attend the ceremony, with his son Alex Soros, accepting the award on his behalf.
🇺🇸GEORGE SOROS OFFICIALLY GETS MEDAL OF FREEDOM…
“Through his Open Society Foundations, Soros has supported initiatives that promote democracy, human rights, education, and social justice worldwide.”
Clinton received a more general commendation from Biden, being described as a woman who “made history many times over decades in public service,” including becoming “the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate.”
“After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party,” the White House stated.
Other recipients of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom include U2 lead vocalist Bono, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, renowned NBA player Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, and actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, as well as Argentine football icon Lionel Messi.
