President Joe Biden is bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, upon Hillary Clinton and eighteen other distinguished individuals. The White House announced the recipients early Saturday, citing their significant contributions to making America a better place. The awards ceremony will take place at the White House later today. This follows Friday’s presentation of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military distinction, to seven U.S. Army veterans for their heroic actions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal endeavors, both public and private. While typically awarded annually, there is no fixed schedule for the presentation of this prestigious honor. Ceremonies are usually held by the sitting president, often towards the end of the year.
The tradition of awarding this medal began in 1963 under President John F. Kennedy. This built upon a similar honor, the Medal of Freedom, established by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to acknowledge civilian contributions during World War II. However, Truman’s medal was primarily focused on wartime efforts and was eventually discontinued. Kennedy’s version expanded the scope, recognizing exceptional civilian contributions across all fields.
The 2025 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include a diverse group of individuals who have made significant impacts in various sectors: Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous), Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, Lionel Messi, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, José Andrés, Bono, Ashton B. Carter (posthumous), Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), Ralph Lauren, Bill Nye, George W. Romney (posthumous), David M. Rubenstein, George Stevens Jr., and Anna Wintour.
The White House statement lauded these nineteen Americans as “great leaders who have made America a better place,” emphasizing their contributions to both their country and the world.