Biden hosts Medal of Freedom ceremony
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor and director Denzel Washington will receive the highest civilian honor at a White House ceremony on Saturday. President Joe Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most prominent people in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.
president joe biden On Saturday, it was announced that 19 people had been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.
This list includes some of the most recognizable names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. Four medals will be awarded posthumously.
(L) Bill Nye at the 7th Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show on February 1, 2023. (M) Jane Goodall is seen during the unveiling of her wax figure at the Grevin Museum on December 1, 2023. Anna Wintour and (R)Anna Wintour on the opening night of Musica’s new revival
Here is the complete list of those who received this honor at the White House ceremony on Saturday:
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
Jose Andres
Spanish-American chef José Andres’ World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the most recognized food relief organizations in the world.
bono
Bono is the frontman of the rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty.
Related: Medal of Honor and Medal of Valor recipients will be honored Friday at the White House.
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense under 11 secretaries of defense under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton has had a long career in public service, including being the first first lady elected to the U.S. Senate, serving as Secretary of State, and the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. Masu.
michael j fox
Actor Michael J. Fox is world-renowned as an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is an entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist.
jane goodall
Conservationist Jane Goodall’s research has changed our understanding of primate and human evolution.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
Fannie Lou Hamer founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Irvin “Magic” Johnson
Off the court, athlete Earvin “Magic” Johnson is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underprivileged communities through the Magic Johnson Foundation.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumously)
Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an attorney general and a U.S. senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country.
ralph lauren
American fashion designer Ralph Lauren has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy.
lionel messi
Off the field, soccer player Lionel Messi supports medical and educational programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye inspired and influenced generations of American students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” and continues to advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship.
George W. Romney (posthumously)
George W. Romney served as Governor of Michigan and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is the co-founder of the global investment firm The Carlyle Group.
george soros
Democratic philanthropist George Soros’s foundation network focuses on a variety of global initiatives.
george stevens jr.
George Stevens Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author, and playwright who founded the American Film Institute.
Related: Presidential pardons: Who issued the most?
denzel washington
Actor, director and producer Denzel Washington has also served as the national spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Famous fashion icon Anna Wintour is a champion of philanthropy.
source: Information in this article was taken from an official White House press release dated January 4, 2025. This story was reported from Detroit.
