Presidential Medal of Freedom list: Hillary Clinton, George Soros among recipients
Biden hosts Medal of Freedom ceremony
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington will be awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor on Saturday in a White House ceremony. President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.
President Joe Biden announced Saturday the 19 people awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
The list includes some of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. Four medals will be awarded posthumously.
(L) Bill Nye at the Seventh Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show on February 1, 2023; (M) Jane Goodall is seen during her wax figure unveiling at Musee Grevin on December 01, 2023; and (R) Anna Wintour at the opening night of the new revival of the musica
Here is the full list of people who received the honor on Saturday during a White House ceremony:
Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients
José Andrés
Spanish American chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations.
Bono
Bono is the frontman for rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty.
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Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense under 11 Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton has a long career in public service, including being the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate, serving as Secretary of State, and becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.
Michael J. Fox
Actor Michael J. Fox is a world-renowned 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 transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
Fannie Lou Hamer founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Off the court, athlete Earvin "Magic" Johnson is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous)
Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an Attorney General and as a United States Senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country.
Ralph Lauren
American fashion designer Ralph Lauren has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy.
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Lionel Messi
Off the field, soccer athlete Lionel Messi supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye has 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 (posthumous)
George W. Romney served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is the co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.
George Soros
Democratic philanthropist George Soros’ network of foundations focus on a variety of global initiatives.
George Stevens, Jr.
George Stevens, Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author, and playwright, and founded the American Film Institute.
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Denzel Washington
Actor, director and producer Denzel Washington has also served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Renowned fashion icon Anna Wintour is a champion for philanthropic causes.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from a Jan. 4, 2025, official White House press release. This story was reported from Detroit.