Outrage erupts over Biden’s decision to award Hillary Clinton and George Soros Presidential Medal of Freedom

News that President Biden will bestow the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, upon former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire George Soros has sparked a wave of backlash online.

Critics argue that the recipients contradict the award’s purpose, which is to honour those who contribute to U.S. prosperity, values, or world peace. Elon Musk led the charge, calling the decision a “travesty” and accusing Soros of undermining societal stability by funding progressive district attorneys.

Commentators like Blake Habyan and Natalie F. Danelishen joined the chorus of outrage, with Danelishen likening the announcement to a satirical Babylon Bee headline.

Clinton’s long political career, including roles as the first female senator from New York and Democratic presidential nominee, has been marred by controversies, such as the Benghazi attack and her use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State.

Soros, meanwhile, is criticised for his financial influence and political interference in democracies through the Open Society Foundations. Some argue his activities have destabilised law enforcement by backing lenient prosecutors, and destabliised democracies around the world.

The White House praised Clinton’s “public service” milestones and Soros’ “global philanthropy” for “advancing democracy and social justice”. The announcement follows Biden’s recent awarding of the Presidential Citizens Medal to Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson, further fuelling criticism from conservative commentators.

List of Recipients

• José Andrés, celebrity chef and founder of the World Central Kitchen charity group.
• Bono, frontman for rock band U2 and an activist against AIDS and poverty.
• Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous), 25th Secretary of Defense.
• Hillary Rodham Clinton, former First Lady and former Secretary of State.
• Michael J. Fox, Emmy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.
• Tim Gill, entrepreneur, LGBTQ rights advocate.
• Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist.
• Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), civil rights advocate and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson, legendary retired basketball player and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
• Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), former U.S. Attorney General and Senator.
• Ralph Lauren, world-renowned fashion designer and cancer research advocate
• Lionel Messi, soccer’s most decorated player, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who supports healthcare and education programs for children
• William Sanford Nye, often referred to as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” a science educator who advocates for space exploration and environmental stewardship.
• George W. Romney (posthumous), businessman and former Governor of Michigan
• David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, philanthropist who supports the restoration of historic landmarks and cultural institutions.
• George Soros, philanthropist and Open Society Foundations founder.
• George Stevens, Jr., author and playright.
• Denzel Washington, actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards. Served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
• Anna Wintour, fashion icon and the editor-in-chief of Vogue.