Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025: Joe Biden Recognizes Global Icons
President Joe Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 distinguished individuals, recognizing their significant contributions across various fields. Among the honorees are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, soccer legend Lionel Messi, and philanthropist George Soros.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, bestowed upon individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the nation, world peace, or other significant societal endeavors.
Hillary Clinton was honored for her decades-long public service, including her roles as First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.
Lionel Messi, who joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in July 2023, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to sports and his philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation and UNICEF.
Other notable recipients include actor and activist Michael J. Fox, actor Denzel Washington, U2 frontman Bono, chef and humanitarian José Andrés, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
The ceremony took place at the White House, where President Biden emphasized the importance of each honoree’s contributions to American society and the world.
For more details, you can watch the following news report: