In a ceremony scheduled for Saturday at the White House, President Joe Biden will honor 19 distinguished individuals, including Vogue's Dame Anna Wintour, U2’s Bono, and philanthropist George Soros, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This year's recipients represent a diverse array of contributions to culture, politics, and humanitarian efforts, as recognized by the White House's announcement.
Biden Honors Cultural Icons and Humanitarians with Medal of Freedom
Biden Honors Cultural Icons and Humanitarians with Medal of Freedom
Biden bestows America's prestigious Medal of Freedom on influential personalities across various fields.
Among the notable awardees is Bono, known for his passionate activism against poverty and support for HIV/Aids initiatives. The frontman of U2 has previously received France’s highest cultural accolade and holds an honorary knighthood. Anna Wintour, renowned for her influential role in fashion and long-standing editorship at Vogue since 1988, has raised over $20 million for AIDS research and campaigned for UK arts following government funding cuts.
Notably included is George Soros, the prominent Democratic donor and financier who has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and faced threats, including a mail bombing attempt, in 2018 due to his political stance. Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State and Biden's rival during the 2016 elections, is also among this year's honorees.
The list of awardees features cultural figures such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, football legend Lionel Messi, basketball icon Magic Johnson, and esteemed designer Ralph Lauren. Other recipients include chef José Andrés, known for his humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen, renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, and science communicator Bill Nye.
Several awards will be presented posthumously to figures such as Robert F. Kennedy, Ash Carter, and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, emphasizing the enduring impact of their contributions. The Medal of Freedom was established by President John F. Kennedy and is conferred at the president’s discretion based on the recommendations of an advisory panel. Past honorees have included celebrated personalities like Simone Biles, Michelle Yeoh, and Apple’s Steve Jobs.
Notably included is George Soros, the prominent Democratic donor and financier who has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and faced threats, including a mail bombing attempt, in 2018 due to his political stance. Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State and Biden's rival during the 2016 elections, is also among this year's honorees.
The list of awardees features cultural figures such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, football legend Lionel Messi, basketball icon Magic Johnson, and esteemed designer Ralph Lauren. Other recipients include chef José Andrés, known for his humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen, renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, and science communicator Bill Nye.
Several awards will be presented posthumously to figures such as Robert F. Kennedy, Ash Carter, and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, emphasizing the enduring impact of their contributions. The Medal of Freedom was established by President John F. Kennedy and is conferred at the president’s discretion based on the recommendations of an advisory panel. Past honorees have included celebrated personalities like Simone Biles, Michelle Yeoh, and Apple’s Steve Jobs.
