Sat Jan 04 12:03:41 UTC 2025: ## Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Diverse Group of Achievers

**Washington, D.C. – January 4, 2025** – President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 recipients in a White House ceremony today. The diverse group includes prominent figures from various fields, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the United States and the world.

Among the awardees are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and the late former Defence Secretary Ashton Carter. Controversial investor George Soros also received the medal, a choice that has sparked debate given his past criticisms of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allegations of interference in Indian elections. The BJP has previously raised concerns about Soros’s alleged links to organizations involved in “anti-India” activities, accusations the Congress party denies.

Other recipients represent a wide range of achievements: Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumously) for her work in the civil rights movement; Robert F. Kennedy (posthumously) for his fight against racial segregation and poverty; Jose Andrés for his culinary innovations; Bono for his AIDS and poverty activism; Michael J. Fox for his acting career; Jane Goodall for her conservation work; Earvin “Magic” Johnson for his basketball career; and Tim Gill for his work on LGBTQI+ rights. Posthumous awards also went to George W. Romney and Ashton Carter.

The White House lauded the recipients as “great leaders who have made America and the world a better place,” highlighting their contributions to prosperity, values, security, world peace, and various societal endeavors. The ceremony concluded a week of celebrations and honors in Washington.

Read More