Biden Honors Icons with Presidential Medal of Freedom

In a ceremony set for Saturday, 19 distinguished individuals will receive the prestigious award, marking their positive influence in various fields.

President Joe Biden has announced his intention to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, to an esteemed group of 19 individuals, including fashion icon Dame Anna Wintour, U2 lead singer Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The White House highlighted the significance of this year's recipients, emphasizing that they are "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."

The award ceremony will take place at the White House on Saturday, where Biden will present the medals to the honorees. Bono, whose birth name is Paul David Hewson, has previously received France’s highest cultural honor and an honorary knighthood for his efforts in combating poverty and supporting HIV/AIDS initiatives. Wintour, who has held the position of editor-in-chief at Vogue since 1988, has raised over $20 million for AIDS research and has supported UK arts organizations following funding cutbacks in 2022.

Included in the list of honorees is George Soros, a noted Democratic donor and philanthropist, alongside political figure Hillary Clinton, who is recognized just weeks before her former rival is inaugurated as president after her loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 elections.

Cultural stars such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, as well as soccer legend Lionel Messi, are also set to receive the medal, alongside retired basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson and famed designer Ralph Lauren. Other notable recipients include humanitarian chef José Andrés, who leads the World Central Kitchen initiative, celebrated conservationist Jane Goodall, and science advocate Bill Nye.

Some awards will be bestowed posthumously, including honors for former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights pioneer Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Governor of Michigan George W. Romney. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established by former President John F. Kennedy, is conferred at the president's discretion based on recommendations from an advisory panel. Previous recipients of this honor include celebrated figures like gymnast Simone Biles, actress Michelle Yeoh, and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.