WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.
Former Secretary of State aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist and actor-director were also awarded the nation鈥檚 highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony.
鈥淔or the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation鈥檚 highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,鈥� Biden said in his opening remarks.
鈥淟et me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you鈥檝e done to help this country," Biden said Saturday.
Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, 鈥淏obby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.鈥�
Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.
Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans.
The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made 鈥渆xemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.鈥�
Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef Jos茅 Andr茅s, whose has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and , the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist.
Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: 鈥淎s an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor."
Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin 鈥淢agic鈥� Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson鈥檚 disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as 鈥淏ill Nye the Science Guy."
Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; ; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.
Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor.
Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom , including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.
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Fatima Hussein, The Associated Press
