A group of artists, former public servants, sports, and philanthropists will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in recognition of their public service accomplishments.
A White House ceremony on Saturday will recognize 19 individuals, the most recent in a string of gatherings Biden has hosted in the last few weeks of his presidency in an effort to cement his legacy.
Former US Senator Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, former basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, soccer player Lionel Messi, philanthropist George Soros, longtime fashion editor and media executive Anna Wintour, and movie star Denzel Washington are among those who will receive the medal.
According to the White House, 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” are eligible to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.
The recipients of the Medal of Freedom can reveal a president’s political inclinations, even though the award is not intended to be partisan. Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House, was the opponent of Clinton, the Democratic contender for president in 2016. Soros is a well-known advocate for liberal policies and causes. Additionally, just as Trump has appointed his son and namesake to lead public health policy, former US senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy will be honored posthumously.
During his first administration, Trump gave the medal to Republican fundraiser Miriam Adelson and conservative radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh.
Josė Andrės, a Spanish-born chef who started World Central Kitchen, which the White House said “revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world,” is among the other beneficiaries on Saturday.
The Back to the Future actor Michael J. Fox received recognition for his support of Parkinson’s disease research and development; the singer Bono received recognition for his AIDS activism; David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, received recognition for his commitment to landmark restoration; and William Nye, popularly known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” received recognition for his support of science education.
The White House highlighted Tim Gill, the pioneer of publishing software Quark, for his role in “securing key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.” The American Film Institute’s founder, filmmaker George Stevens Jr., received recognition for his contributions to “American ideals of racial equity and justice for half a century.” Jane Goodall, a primatologist and conservationist, will also receive the medal from Biden.
Biden also paid tribute to George Romney, the CEO of an auto company, the Republican governor of Michigan, and the third secretary of housing and urban development; Ashton Carter, the Obama administration’s secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and the driving force behind the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
In recognition of their leadership of the congressional committee that looked into the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, Biden presented former Representative Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson with the Presidential Citizens Medal on Thursday.
For their heroic deeds, the president on Friday presented the Medal of Valor to eight public safety officials and the Medal of Honor to seven former US Army troops.
