Distinguished Global Leaders Honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom

Jan 04, 2025 Komal Das

President Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 honorees, including Bono, Magic Johnson, Anna Wintour, Lionel Messi, Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and Ralph Lauren

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The White House praised this year's honorees as "great leaders" for their significant contributions, including chef Jose Andres and environmentalist Jane Goodall

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Among the political recipients are billionaire George Soros and Hillary Clinton, former first lady, senator, and 2016 presidential candidate

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Soros was honored for supporting global organizations that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice, according to the White House

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Clinton was honored for making history through decades of public service, including being the first woman nominated by a major party for the US presidency

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Biden posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom to Bobby Kennedy, former attorney general and 1968 presidential candidate, assassinated during his campaign

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Biden honored RFK for his legacy of justice, while his son, Robert Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, may join Trump's cabinet

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Biden awarded Liz Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal; Trump criticized it, claiming it was due to her opposition to him

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