Biden hands top US honor to Clinton and Soros
US President Joe Biden has named 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s top civilian award. Among them are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, liberal billionaire George Soros, and culinary innovator José Andrés, who once posed for a photo with the man who attempted to assassinate then-President-elect Donald Trump.
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.
The 94-year-old Soros, who has put billions into promoting liberal democracy in Eastern Europe, was recognized by the US president 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 Hungarian billionaire did not attend the ceremony, and his son Alex Soros, accepted the award on his behalf.
Today, I was given the privilege of accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of my father, @georgesoros. My father is an American patriot who has spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights. I am incredibly proud that his legacy is now recognized with our… pic.twitter.com/UD2kA2VWZM
— Alex Soros (@AlexanderSoros) January 4, 2025
Another recipient of the top US award, José Andrés, is described by the White House as a “renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator” who “provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict.”
🚨Biden just gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jose Andres, who appears in photos with Trump’s would-be assassin. pic.twitter.com/jZoWh8se1z
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 4, 2025
After Saturday's ceremony, a photo resurfaced of Andrés posing with pro-Ukrainian activist Ryan Wesley Routh, who plotted to kill Donald Trump in September. The picture reportedly originated from Routh’s self-published 2023 book, in which he praised Andrés for “delivering millions of meals daily to Ukraine” and expressed hope that someone would assassinate Trump.
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.”
LOVE THIS! President Biden just awarded Hillary Clinton the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor. Secretary Clinton has dedicated her life to this country. Well deserved! pic.twitter.com/2fpP5UlJSj
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) January 4, 2025
“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.
