President Joe Biden honored 19 individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony held at the White House. The recipients included prominent figures from various fields such as politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. Notable awardees included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros, and actor-director Denzel Washington. Biden praised the recipients for their contributions to shaping American culture and society, thanking them for their efforts in helping the country.
The ceremony also saw the posthumous awarding of the Medal of Freedom to four individuals, including George W. Romney, Robert F. Kennedy, Ash Carter, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Kennedy, father of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was lauded as a political hero by Biden, while Romney, father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, was recognized for his service as Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development. The White House stated that the recipients of the Medal of Freedom had made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, and security of the United States, as well as other significant societal endeavors.
Among the recipients of the Medal of Freedom were major philanthropists such as Spanish American chef José Andrés and rock band U2 frontman Bono, as well as sports and entertainment stars like Lionel Messi, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Michael J. Fox, and Bill Nye. Other awardees included conservationist Jane Goodall, Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and entrepreneur David Rubenstein. Lauren became the first fashion designer to receive the prestigious honor, joining a list of past recipients that includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.
The Medal of Freedom recipients were recognized for their significant contributions to various fields, ranging from humanitarian efforts to scientific advancements. The ceremony, held in the East Room of the White House, was attended by family members and supporters of the awardees. Former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton, and grandchildren accompanied Hillary Clinton to the event, where she received a standing ovation. Biden, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to the honorees for their dedication to shaping the culture and values of America.
As President Biden nears the end of his term, he has been focusing on honoring individuals who have made a significant impact on American society. The Medal of Freedom ceremony was part of a series of awards and medals given by Biden to military veterans, law enforcement officials, and exceptional Americans. The recipients of the award were lauded for their efforts in fostering world peace, promoting social justice, and advancing scientific research. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, continues to be one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the United States government.
