US President Joe Biden conferred George Soros, investor and philanthropist, the prestigious US Presidential Medal of Freedom. In total, 19 individuals including Soros were felicitated with this medal. X owner Elon Musk was not quite happy with this though. Nominated to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by US President elect Donald Trump, Musk expressed his disapproval on X over this honour to Soros.
Elon Musk while posting on X wrote, "A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom."
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George Soros & Other Major Recepients
The White House said in a press statement that Soros was recognised as "an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations." The White House added, "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."
Other notable recipients of the prestigious award include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football icon Lionel Messi, and acclaimed actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox. Additionally, the medal was awarded posthumously to four individuals: George W. Romney, former Michigan governor and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and Senator; Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights leader and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, instrumental in the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, received a standing ovation during the ceremony as she accepted the Medal of Freedom. She was accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, her daughter Chelsea Clinton, and her grandchildren, making the event a family celebration.
Biden In his open remarks said, “For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America. Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country."