U.S. News
Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom: Hillary Clinton, George Soros Among 19 Honorees
By Jake Beardslee · January 5, 2025
This marks the second group of honorees recognized this year, following a May ceremony where 19 individuals were honored, including former Vice President Al Gore, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Below is the full list of the most recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients: Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Clinton served as First Lady, U.S. Senator from New York, and Secretary of State during the Obama administration. She was the Democratic nominee for president in 2016 and has been involved in various public policy initiatives. Josh Morgan, Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK
George Soros
George Soros is a billionaire investor and philanthropist who has funded various social and political causes through his Open Society Foundations. His work has included support for education, democracy, and human rights. Niccolò Caranti / Wikimedia
Bono
Bono, the lead singer of U2, is known for his music career and his activism, particularly in addressing global poverty and health crises, including AIDS. Daniel Hazard / Wikimedia
Michael J. Fox
Actor Michael J. Fox has had a successful entertainment career, earning multiple awards for his performances. He has also been a prominent advocate for Parkinson’s disease research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Chuck Kennedy (Pete for America) / Wikimedia
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Magic Johnson is a retired NBA player who won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has since focused on business ventures and community programs through the Magic Johnson Foundation. Neon Tommy / Wikimedia
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is a professional soccer player widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. He supports healthcare and education initiatives for children through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is a primatologist whose research on chimpanzees has provided significant insights into animal behavior and human evolution. She is also an advocate for environmental conservation. Muhammad Mahdi Karim / Wikimedia
José Andrés
Chef José Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides meals in disaster-affected areas. He is also known for his culinary contributions. David Shankbone / Wikimedia
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is an actor and filmmaker with a career spanning decades. He has received multiple awards, including Academy Awards and a Tony, for his work in film and theater. Adam Chitayat / Wikimedia
Bill Nye
Bill Nye, known as “The Science Guy,” gained fame as a television host and educator. He currently leads the Planetary Society and advocates for science education and environmental issues. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour has been the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine since 1988 and is a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has also contributed to various philanthropic and arts-related initiatives. Myleskalus / Wikimedia
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is a technology entrepreneur and advocate for LGBTQI rights. His foundation has supported numerous efforts to promote equality and address discrimination. lillen / Pixabay
George Stevens Jr.
George Stevens Jr. is a filmmaker, playwright, and founder of the American Film Institute. His work has included significant contributions to preserving and promoting film history. American Film Institute / Wikimedia
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer and founder of the Ralph Lauren Corporation. His philanthropic efforts have focused on cancer research and historic preservation. Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca / Wikimedia
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is a co-founder of The Carlyle Group and a philanthropist known for supporting the restoration of historical landmarks and funding cultural institutions. Fuzheado / Wikimedia
Fannie Lou Hamer (Posthumous)
Fannie Lou Hamer was a civil rights activist and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. She played a key role in advocating for voting rights during the Civil Rights Movement. MDAH / Flickr
Ashton Baldwin Carter (Posthumous)
Ashton Carter served as Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama. He oversaw modernization efforts within the U.S. military and emphasized diversity in the armed forces. US Department of Defense / Wikimedia
Robert Francis Kennedy (Posthumous)
Robert F. Kennedy, a former U.S. attorney general and senator, was an advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was assassinated while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968. The Bettman Archive / Wikimedia
George Romney (Posthumous)
George Romney was the 43rd governor of Michigan and chairman of American Motors Corporation. He also served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, focusing on housing policy reforms. Warren K. Leffler / Wikimedia