President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Lionel Messi, George Soros, and several other notable figures. Among the recipients are billionaire philanthropist and major Democratic donor George Soros, along with former US politician Hillary Clinton.
Soros, a Hungarian-born financier, was targeted by a mail bomber in 2018 due to his strong criticism of Donald Trump. Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, will receive the medal just weeks before her former rival, Donald Trump, is sworn in as president. She had lost to Trump in the 2016 election.
Other recipients include cultural icons like actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, football star Lionel Messi, retired basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and fashion designer Ralph Lauren. George Stevens Jr., founder of the American Film Institute, and David Rubenstein, former chair of the Kennedy Center, are also among those honored.
Humanitarian chef José Andrés, who leads World Central Kitchen and provides food to people in disaster-stricken areas, is also receiving the medal. Renowned British conservationist Jane Goodall and science educator Bill Nye are also being recognized for their contributions.
There are several posthumous awards as well, including for former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by President John F. Kennedy and is awarded at the president’s discretion, based on recommendations from an external advisory panel. Past recipients have included athletes like Simone Biles, actress Michelle Yeoh, and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to American society in areas such as the arts, sciences, culture, business, politics, and humanitarian efforts.
Key Points in Its History:
- Creation: The medal was established by executive order on February 22, 1963, by President Kennedy. It was originally intended to honor individuals who had made significant contributions to the nation’s interests in various fields.
- Design: The medal was designed by Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady at the time. The medal itself features a gold profile of the President, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves.
- Recipients: The first recipients included a wide range of influential individuals, from political leaders to artists and scientists. Since then, it has been awarded to more than 600 people.
- Notable Awardees: Some famous recipients of the Medal of Freedom include Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey, and George H.W. Bush.
- Process: The award is given at the discretion of the sitting President of the United States, often following recommendations from an advisory panel. There are no specific criteria for who can receive the medal, but the recipients are usually individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has evolved over time and remains one of the most prestigious awards in the country. It is presented in ceremonies at the White House, typically by the sitting president, and honors a wide array of individuals for their lifelong achievements and impact on society.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by the President of the United States at their discretion, typically in a ceremony at the White House. While the exact dates can vary each year, the award is generally given on significant occasions, such as major anniversaries, during presidential terms, or as part of end-of-term recognitions.
Here are some notable instances of when the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded:
1. 1963 (First Awards)
- Date: February 22, 1963
- Awarded by: President John F. Kennedy
- Context: The medal was created by executive order under President Kennedy. The first awards were given to Adele Astaire, Eleanor Roosevelt, and George Marshall, among others.
2. 1964-1969 (Lyndon B. Johnson)
- Date: Throughout LBJ’s presidency (1964–1969)
- Notable Recipients: Martin Luther King Jr. (posthumously), John Glenn (astronaut), and Julia Child (chef and television personality).
3. 1981-1989 (Ronald Reagan)
- Date: Various dates throughout Reagan’s presidency
- Notable Recipients: Mother Teresa (1985), Frank Sinatra (1985), and Elie Wiesel (1985).
4. 2001-2009 (George W. Bush)
- Date: Various dates throughout Bush’s presidency
- Notable Recipients: Colin Powell (2001), John Wayne (1980), Ronald Reagan (posthumously), Aretha Franklin (2005).
5. 2009-2017 (Barack Obama)
- Date: Various dates throughout Obama’s presidency
- Notable Recipients: Oprah Winfrey (2013), Bill Gates (2016), Tom Hanks (2016), Steven Spielberg (2015).
6. 2017-2021 (Donald Trump)
- Date: Various dates throughout Trump’s presidency
- Notable Recipients: Mick Jagger (2019), Elvis Presley (2018, posthumously), Art Laffer (2019), and Rush Limbaugh (2020).
7. 2021-Present (Joe Biden)
- Date: Ongoing throughout Biden’s presidency
- Notable Recipients: Simone Biles (2022), Denzel Washington (2022), George Clooney (2022), Lionel Messi (2023), and Hillary Clinton (2023).
Important Note:
The specific dates for the award ceremony can vary. Each recipient is typically honored with a ceremony at the White House, often around major American holidays or significant national events. The ceremonies themselves usually take place during the final years of a president’s term, as outgoing presidents tend to award many Medals of Freedom before leaving office.