On Saturday, President Joe Biden will honor 19 distinguished individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in the White House. Among the recipients are notable figures such as Vogue editor Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The White House described these awardees as "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."
Bono, whose actual name is Paul David Hewson, has previously received France’s highest cultural distinction and an honorary knighthood, recognized for his extensive efforts against poverty and advocacy for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, Wintour, recognized as a pivotal figure in the fashion industry and serving as Vogue's editor since 1988, has significantly contributed to various charitable causes, including raising over $20 million for AIDS research and supporting UK arts organizations impacted by funding cuts in 2022.
Additional recipients include notable political figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognized for her decades of public service. Clinton will receive the medal shortly before her political opponent, Donald Trump, is sworn in as president.
Prominent cultural figures such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, football star Lionel Messi, retired NBA player Magic Johnson, and fashion mogul Ralph Lauren will receive the honor as well. Other notable honorees include humanitarian chef José Andrés, renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, and science educator Bill Nye.
Some awards will be posthumously presented to former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, ex-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Established under President John F. Kennedy, the Medal of Freedom is awarded at the president's discretion, advised by an external advisory committee. Past recipients include celebrated figures such as gymnast Simone Biles, actress Michelle Yeoh, and tech visionary Steve Jobs.
Bono, whose actual name is Paul David Hewson, has previously received France’s highest cultural distinction and an honorary knighthood, recognized for his extensive efforts against poverty and advocacy for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, Wintour, recognized as a pivotal figure in the fashion industry and serving as Vogue's editor since 1988, has significantly contributed to various charitable causes, including raising over $20 million for AIDS research and supporting UK arts organizations impacted by funding cuts in 2022.
Additional recipients include notable political figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognized for her decades of public service. Clinton will receive the medal shortly before her political opponent, Donald Trump, is sworn in as president.
Prominent cultural figures such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, football star Lionel Messi, retired NBA player Magic Johnson, and fashion mogul Ralph Lauren will receive the honor as well. Other notable honorees include humanitarian chef José Andrés, renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, and science educator Bill Nye.
Some awards will be posthumously presented to former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, ex-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Established under President John F. Kennedy, the Medal of Freedom is awarded at the president's discretion, advised by an external advisory committee. Past recipients include celebrated figures such as gymnast Simone Biles, actress Michelle Yeoh, and tech visionary Steve Jobs.
