Biden honours Bono, Messi, Soros with Presidential medal of freedom
Outgoing US President Highlights Legacy Through Top Civilian Awards
In a symbolic gesture to solidify his legacy, US President Joe Biden is set to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 distinguished individuals on Saturday. The recipients span the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, and diplomacy, celebrating their extraordinary contributions to the nation and beyond.
Among the honourees are global icons such as singer and activist Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and veteran actor Denzel Washington. Others include renowned fashion editor Anna Wintour, actor Michael J. Fox, and celebrated designer Ralph Lauren.
“These individuals are exceptional leaders whose good hearts and dedication have made a profound impact on their country and the world,” the White House stated.
The honouree list also features leading environmentalist and primate researcher Jane Goodall, and chef José Andrés, founder of the humanitarian organisation World Central Kitchen.
Some awardees reflect Biden’s political values, including billionaire philanthropist George Soros, praised for his global support for democracy, human rights, and social justice. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who made history as the first woman nominated by a major political party for the presidency in 2016, is also among the recipients.
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Biden will posthumously honour Robert Francis Kennedy, famously known as Bobby Kennedy. A former US attorney general and brother of President John F. Kennedy, RFK was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Biden described Kennedy’s legacy as “a timeless inspiration for justice, equality, and public service.”
Notably, RFK’s son, Robert Kennedy Jr., has been nominated by president-elect Donald Trump as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Biden’s decision to bestow these awards appears to be a final effort to define his presidency. On Thursday, he awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming, recognised for her role on the panel investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
This move sparked criticism from Trump, who described Cheney as “totally corrupt” in a statement on Truth Social. “Biden rewarded her only because she hated ‘TRUMP,’” he alleged.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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