Biden to Honor 21 Americans with Presidential Medal of Freedom, Including Clinton and Washington

White House to Honor Distinguished Americans with Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden is set to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to a diverse group of 21 individuals at a White House ceremony on Saturday. The award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to the prosperity, values, and security of the United States, world peace, and other significant societal endeavors.

Among the notable recipients are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros, and actor-director Denzel Washington. Clinton is being recognized for her extensive career in politics and public service, while Soros is honored for his philanthropic work and influence in political spheres. Washington’s award acknowledges his impact on entertainment and social advocacy.

The ceremony will also include posthumous awards to several influential figures. Civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Michigan Governor George W. Romney, and former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will be honored for their respective contributions to voting rights, civil rights, public service, and national security.

Philanthropists and activists receiving the medal include Spanish American chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, and U2 frontman Bono, recognized for his social justice activism.

The sports and entertainment world is well-represented among the honorees. Soccer superstar Lionel Messi, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate Michael J. Fox, and science educator Bill Nye are all set to receive the prestigious award.

Other distinguished awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr., LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and The Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein.

This year’s diverse group of recipients follows last year’s ceremony, which honored individuals such as civil rights leader Medgar Evers, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman James Clyburn, and actress Michelle Yeoh, highlighting the wide range of contributions recognized by the Presidential Medal of Freedom.