As President Biden prepares to leave office, the award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to billionaire philanthropist George Soros has triggered fierce criticism from conservatives, calling it a reflection of troubling priorities and deepening national divisions.
Biden's Medal of Freedom for Soros Sparks Conservative Outrage

Biden's Medal of Freedom for Soros Sparks Conservative Outrage
President Joe Biden's decision to award George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom has ignited significant backlash from Republican leaders, highlighting the polarization in American politics.
In a shocking move just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to billionaire philanthropist George Soros, prompting a firestorm of criticism from conservatives. Prominent Republican figures have denounced the decision, labeling it a significant affront to American values.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was vocal in her condemnation, stating, “Bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon George Soros is yet another insult to the American people following the pardon of his son and the commutation of sentences for serious criminals.” Her remarks reflect a growing concern among Republicans over Biden’s actions during his final days in office.
Soros, aged 94, is well-known as the founder of the Open Society Foundations, which invests over $1 billion yearly into progressive movements, including financing efforts to defund the police and support for Black Lives Matter. Many critics argue that his advocacy for these causes has resulted in higher crime rates in urban areas, solidifying his reputation as a polarizing figure among conservatives.
Adding to the controversy, Soros’s son, Alex Soros, accepted the medal on his father's behalf. As the chairman of the Open Society Foundations, Alex has shifted the organization's focus toward initiatives addressing race, which has drawn scrutiny from conservative commentators who view this as a deliberate attempt to shape societal and political discussions.
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), a notable rising star in the GOP, condemned the medal award as a “national disgrace,” pointing out Soros's financial support for politicians deemed lenient on crime. He asserted, “Soros has used his wealth to empower individuals who prioritize political correctness over public safety.”
The backlash comes in the wake of several contentious decisions made by Biden, including his commutation of death sentences for numerous federal inmates and the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden—actions that have stirred further discontent among Republicans regarding the administration’s priorities.
The White House defended the decision, citing Soros’s contributions to “global initiatives that bolster democracy and human rights.” However, this explanation only heightened the ideological rift between progressive and conservative factions in the country. Republicans assert that honoring Soros not only fails to promote national cohesiveness but also demonstrates a lack of respect for the principles many Americans cherish.
As Donald Trump prepares to assume office, the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros stands as a significant event in the ongoing debate over Biden's legacy and the ramifications it may have on the political landscape in America.