Today, President Biden named nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values ​​or security of the United States, to world peace, or to other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

President Biden believes great leaders keep their faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.

The awards will be presented on January 4, 2025 at the White House. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

Jose Andres

José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States. His World Central Kitchen provides large-scale assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.

Bono

Bono is the frontman of the legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the US PEPFAR AIDS program and is a co-founder of the campaign organizations ONE and (RED).

Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumously)

Ash Carter was the 25th Secretary of Defense and dedicated his career to making the nation safer for all. During his career, he served under eleven secretaries of defense in Democratic and Republican administrations.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary Clinton made history in public service many times over the decades, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for President by a major United States political party.

Michael J Fox

Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.

Tim Gill

Tim Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality. After transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software, he used his success to win important victories in the fight for marriage equality and protection from discrimination.

Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research has transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is passionate about empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve nature.

Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumously)

Ms. Fannie Lou Hamer changed the fight for racial justice in America. As a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she opposed the exclusion of black voices in the political system and laid the foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the field, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumously)

Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an attorney general who fiercely fought segregation and as a U.S. senator who worked to combat poverty and inequality in the country. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality and public service.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who has redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business and philanthropy, particularly in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional football. He supports health and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

William Sanford Nye

Bill Nye inspired and influenced generations of American students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” His commitment to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental protection.

George W Romney (posthumously)

George Romney was a businessman who served as chairman and president of American Motors Corporation. As a public servant, he later served as both the 43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

David M. Rubenstein

David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group, where he built one of the most successful global investment firms. He is known for his philanthropy and generous support of the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.

George Soros

George Soros is an investor, philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education and social justice.

George Stevens, Jr.

George Stevens Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author and playwright. His career has been dedicated to preserving and honoring the best of American film and the performing arts, including through the founding of the American Film Institute and the creation of the Kennedy Center Honors.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is an actor, director and producer who has won two Oscars, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been a national spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour is a renowned fashion icon who has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988. An advocate for philanthropic causes, she is also the lead architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast.

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