President Joe Biden will be bestowing the country’s highest civilian accolade, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to Hillary Clinton and 18 other individuals who have contributed significantly to the betterment of the United States, as reported by the White House on Saturday.
Hillary Clinton, a familiar face in American politics having served as the First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and the first woman to secure a presidential nomination from a major political party, has etched her name in history through her decades-long public service, according to the White House statement.
Other notable figures set to receive this prestigious honor include Hollywood stars Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, U2’s lead singer Bono, Inter Miami soccer sensation Lionel Messi, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
The award will also be posthumously given to several distinguished individuals including former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, civil rights champion Fannie Lou Hamer, ex-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Furthermore, President Biden will acknowledge the contributions of renowned ethologist and conservation advocate Dr. Jane Goodall, basketball legend Magic Johnson, culinary genius and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, popular science communicator Bill Nye, LGBTQ supporter and businessperson Tim Gill, billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, and the founder of the American Film Institute, George Stevens Jr.
It is noteworthy that several of these recipients have been generous donors to Biden and the Democratic Party. The Medal of Freedom will be conferred at a ceremony at the White House later on Saturday.
The White House describes the Presidential Medal of Freedom as an honor “given to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.” This honor was instituted by President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy’s brother, in 1963.
About the author: Allie Weintraub is a growth and engagement editor at CBS News. She has a rich experience writing and producing stories for ABC News, Inside Edition Digital, and Courthouse News Service on a variety of topics.
