The online community was set ablaze on Saturday morning following the announcement that President Biden plans to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and left-wing billionaire George Soros.
This award, the highest civilian honor in the nation, is typically given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, or to world peace, according to a statement from the White House.
As reported by Fox News, the decision to honor Soros sparked a wave of outrage, with Tesla founder Elon Musk leading the charge. Musk, in a video clip from Joe Rogan's podcast, expressed his belief that Soros "fundamentally hates humanity." He accused Soros of actions that "erode the fabric of civilization," such as supporting District Attorneys who refuse to prosecute crime.
The online community echoed Musk's sentiments. Commentator Blake Habyan dismissed the decision as a "joke," arguing that the recipients had acted contrary to the award's intended purpose. Natalie F Danelishen expressed disbelief, comparing the news to a story from satirical site Babylon Bee. "Seriously, two of the worst people on earth," she wrote.
The White House lauded Clinton for making "history many times over decades in public service," including her roles as the first female senator from New York and the first First Lady to hold elected office simultaneously. She also became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party, although her bid to become the countrys first female president was unsuccessful in the 2016 election against President-elect Trump.
However, Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State was marred by criticism over her handling of the war in Libya and the attack on United States government facilities in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Her use of a private email server for government business also drew scrutiny. Despite FBI Director James Comey's public statement that Clinton mishandled classified information, he did not recommend prosecution, and the Justice Department did not pursue the case.
Soros, a significant Democrat donor, operates a network of non-profits that support candidates worldwide who align with his progressive agenda, including his Open Society Foundations. The White House praised Soros philanthropy for strengthening democracy, human rights, education, and social justice across the globe. However, conservative commentators have criticized him for funding progressive district attorneys who have been lenient on crime, leading to crime surges in Democrat-led cities.
This ceremony follows closely on the heels of Biden awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian medal, to former Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Mississippi Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson. They were recognized for overseeing the controversial Jan. 6 House Select Committee.
Clinton and Soros are among 17 other notable figures receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The list of honorees spans various fields, including politics, fashion, sports, entertainment, and activism. Posthumous awards will be given to former Attorney General Robert Francis Kennedy and others. Other recipients include actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, U2 frontman Bono, former basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and soccer star Lionel Messi.
The White House statement reads, "President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s father, Robert Francis Kennedy, is being recognized for his efforts to combat racial segregation and address poverty and inequality in the country during his tenure as a United States Senator. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service, according to the White House.
The list of honorees also includes Jos Andrs, celebrity chef and founder of the World Central Kitchen charity group; Bono, U2 frontman and activist against AIDS and poverty; Ashton Baldwin Carter, 25th Secretary of Defense; Michael J. Fox, Grammy Award-winning actor and advocate for Parkinsons disease research and development; Tim Gill, entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights advocate; Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist; Fannie Lou Hamer, civil rights advocate and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party; Earvin "Magic" Johnson, legendary retired basketball player and philanthropist; Ralph Lauren, world-renowned fashion designer and cancer research advocate; Lionel Messi, soccers most decorated player and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; William Sanford Nye, science educator and advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship; George W. Romney, businessman and former Governor of Michigan; David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group; George Stevens, Jr., author and playwright; Denzel Washington, actor, director, and producer; and Anna Wintour, fashion icon and the editor-in-chief of Vogue.
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