President Joe Biden is scheduled to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, to 19 people at the White House on Saturday.
The list of 19 recipients includes famous athletes such as Lionel Messi and lifelong politicians such as Hillary Clinton.
The 19 individuals have “made exemplary contributions to American prosperity, values, security, world peace, or other important social, public, or private endeavors,” according to the White House.
Biden will be posthumously awarded three medals. The list includes former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, women’s rights activist Fannie Roose Hamer, former U.S. Attorney General Robert Francis Kennedy Sr., and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George W. Romney. is included.
The medal is awarded by the president to someone who has had a significant cultural impact or made significant contributions to the country or the world.
The complete list of 2025 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients is below.
Jose Andres
The White House said José Andres, a renowned Spanish-American chef and restaurateur who has won multiple James Beard Awards, “promoted the cuisine of his native Spain in his adopted United States.” ” he said.
Andres is the founder of World Central Kitchen, which has “revolutionized the way food aid is delivered to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world,” the White House added.
bono
Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is the frontman of the legendary rock band U2 and a pioneer against AIDS and poverty.
The White House said Bono “bred together politicians from opposing parties to create the U.S. PEPFAR AIDS program and is a co-founder of the advocacy groups ONE and (RED).”
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ashton Baldwin Carter is a former U.S. Secretary of Defense under former President Barack Obama.
The White House said Carter “dedicated his career to making our country safer for everyone.” “Throughout his career, he served under 11 secretaries of defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House announced that former Secretary of State, first lady and U.S. senator Hillary Clinton “became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.”
michael j fox
Michael J. Fox, best known for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film trilogy, has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He has won one Grammy Award. .
The White House said Fox is “a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.”
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is an American entrepreneur and one of the first openly gay people to be named to Forbes magazine’s list of America’s 400 Richest People.
“After transforming the publishing industry through his breakthrough software, he used that success to win important victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections,” the White House said.
jane goodall
The White House said the work of animal behaviorist and conservationist Jane Goodall “transformed our understanding of primate and human evolution.”
Goodall is “a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world,” the White House added.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
The White House announced that Fannie Lou Hamer was a women’s rights and voting activist who “transformed the fight for racial justice in America.”
Hammer was a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which challenged the exclusion of black voices in the political system and laid the foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Former basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships, is “a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underprivileged communities through the Magic Johnson Foundation,” White said. House stated.
Robert F. Kennedy (posthumously)
The White House said former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy Sr. “as a U.S. senator fought fiercely against racism and sought to address poverty and inequality in our nation.”
The White House added that Kennedy’s “legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.”
ralph lauren
The White House announced that legendary American fashion designer Ralph Lauren has “redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition.”
Lauren “has made an impact on culture, business and philanthropy, particularly in the fight against cancer and preserving the American flag,” the White House added.
lionel messi
Former Real Madrid star and current Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in soccer history.
The White House said in a statement that Messi “supports medical and educational programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye is best known for his role on the eponymous educational TV show, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and has influenced generations of students across the United States and beyond. Ta.
“His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship,” the White House said.
George W. Romney (posthumously)
George W. Romney served as Chairman of the American Motors Corporation, Governor of Michigan, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He was the father of former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group. The White House said Mr. Rubenstein “has built one of the most successful global investment firms.”
The White House added that Mr. Rubenstein is “known for his philanthropy and generous support of the restoration of historic buildings and the nation’s cultural institutions.”
george soros
Billionaire George Soros is a Hungarian-American philanthropist who founded the Open Society Foundations in 1993. The foundation focuses on providing financial support to civil society around the world that advances justice, education, public health, and independent media.
“Through his network of foundations, Mr. Soros has supported organizations and projects around the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” the White House said.
george stevens jr.
Author, playwright, director, and producer George Stevens Jr. is the founder of the American Film Institute.
The White House said Stevens “has illuminated America’s ideals of racial equality and justice for half a century.” “His award-winning career has been dedicated to the preservation and celebration of American film and performing arts, including founding the American Film Institute and creating the Kennedy Center Honors.”
denzel washington
Renowned American actor and director Denzel Washington has won two Academy Awards, one Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Washington is best known for his roles in films such as 1989’s “Glory,” 1992’s “Malcolm X” and 2001’s “Training Day.”
Anna Wintour
Renowned fashion icon Anna Wintour has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988.
The White House said Winter is a “champion of philanthropy” and “the force behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer at Condé Nast.”
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