The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States of America’s highest civilian honour, and “it is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the world, world peace and other significant societal, public or private endeavors”, the White House Official Statement says.
On Saturday, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 politicians, philanthropists, and cultural, sports and fashion icons, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Hollywood actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, conservationist Jane Goodall, science educator Bill Nye, basketball legend "Magic" Johnson, rockstar and activist U2 frontman Bono along with fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren, chef and activist Jose Andres and philanthropist and megadonor George Soros.
President Biden - himself a recipient, having been presented with the medal by then-President Barack Obama in the closing days of the Obama Administration – said “For the final time as president I have the honour of bestowing the Medal of Freedom (…) to a group of extraordinary — truly extraordinary people who gave their sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America.”
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” the White House Official Statement says. “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Two noticeable American political figures were posthumously honoured: former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Michigan Governor George Romney - the father of former Senator Mitt Romney.
Kerry Kennedy accepted the award on her father’s behalf. As Kennedy pointed out the family members in the crowd, President Biden joked, “Anyone not a Kennedy, stand up.” Mitt Romney likewise accepted the honour on behalf of his father.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was joined by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, received a standing ovation during the ceremony Saturday.
The president’s decision to honour Hillary Clinton caps off a long history of mutual admiration between the two Democratic leaders and comes after the Clintons honoured Biden with the Clinton Global Citizen Award in a surprise ceremony in New York last September. Accepting the award, an emotional Biden thanked the former secretary of state “for the way you have helped me, the way you’ve spoken up for me with such passion.”
“I can’t tell you, you can ask Jill, I — anyway, I love you. I love you,” Biden said.
The president also recognized George Soros, the liberal megadonor who the White House says “has supported organizations, and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” and famed Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who hosted political fundraisers for the Biden campaign.
Design industry titan, Ralph Lauren was also among the honourees Saturday. Lauren’s clothing has long been a favourite of the Biden family, including first lady Jill Biden, who wore a Ralph Lauren design on the cover of Vogue in August, and first granddaughter Naomi Biden, who wore a Ralph Lauren dress for her White House wedding in 2022.
Celebrity chef, humanitarian and outspoken Trump critic José Andrés was recognized for his work with the World Central Kitchen, which the White House says “has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.”
In entertainment, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington were honored, along with retired NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson. When Biden put Johnson’s medal on him, the 6-foot-9 basketball star crouched down, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Two honourees were not in attendance Saturday: soccer superstar Lionel Messi, who the White House said had “scheduling conflicts” did not attend the ceremony. Messi still received his award, the White House said.
George Soros also was not present. His son Alex accepted it in his place.
Bono Vox, U2 singer and humanitarian, who last year joined Jill Biden in her box at the State of the Union address, and was recognized for his work fighting AIDS and building support for the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, was also amongst the honourees.
In the field of science, Biden recognized Planetary Society CEO and television host Bill Nye and world-famous conservationist Jane Goodall.
LGBT advocate Tim Gill, private equity leader David Rubenstein, and American Film Institute and Kennedy Center Honors founder George Stevens Jr., rounding out the list of honorees.
Joe Biden has publicly thanked people around the world for their support after announcing he’s battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
U.S. President Trump and Rep. Khanna have expressed support after Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced. The cancer has been identified with a Gleason score of 9, which, according to Cancer Research UK, indicates highly abnormal cells that are likely to grow rapidly.
In his first interview since leaving office, Joe Biden expressed concern over proposed peace deals for Ukraine that involve territorial concessions, describing them as a dangerous form of appeasement while also addressing US-Europe relations and his own political decisions.
President Donald Trump is touting strong job numbers as proof of his economic leadership while blaming former President Joe Biden for lingering problems, even as economic indicators show mixed signals.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Egypt on a one-day visit and is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Tuesday on the second leg of his tour of the two Arab countries with which the Islamic Republic is re-adjusting its relations.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu will make an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 7, 2025, following an invitation from the Iranian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan announced on Monday.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Azerbaijan and Iran have reached a key agreement on the operation mode and water allocation of the Araz reservoir, following the 54th meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission on the shared use of the Araz River's water and energy resources, held in Baku.
Azerbaijan has emerged as a critical transportation hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative, transforming from a regional energy exporter into a vital link connecting Chinese goods with European markets.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, destroying dozens of homes and vital infrastructure in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, local authorities reported on Monday.
UN Headquarters in New York, powerful voices from France’s overseas territories accused Paris of sustaining colonial control under new names, demanding sovereignty, reparations, and justice for people of African descent.
Karol Nawrocki’s narrow win in Poland’s presidential race signals a sharp turn in tone toward both the European Union and Ukraine, raising questions over Warsaw’s future alignment in Central Europe.
In a significant development toward de-escalating the ongoing war, Russia on Monday formally presented Ukraine with a comprehensive peace proposal, outlining steps for a full ceasefire and a long-term peace agreement, according to Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Egypt on a one-day visit and is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Tuesday on the second leg of his tour of the two Arab countries with which the Islamic Republic is re-adjusting its relations.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu will make an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 7, 2025, following an invitation from the Iranian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan announced on Monday.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Azerbaijan and Iran have reached a key agreement on the operation mode and water allocation of the Araz reservoir, following the 54th meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission on the shared use of the Araz River's water and energy resources, held in Baku.
Azerbaijan has emerged as a critical transportation hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative, transforming from a regional energy exporter into a vital link connecting Chinese goods with European markets.
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