President Biden to Honor 19 Distinguished Individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In a momentous ceremony on Saturday, President Biden is set to bestow the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom upon a diverse array of public figures, cultural icons, and celebrities. This event marks a significant occasion as it represents the final ceremony of Biden’s presidency, highlighting a selection of honorees who have made notable contributions across various spheres. The 19 recipients include some of the most recognizable names in politics, entertainment, and philanthropy.

Among the esteemed honorees are prominent Democratic figures such as Hillary Clinton, influential philanthropist and Democratic supporter George Soros, and the late Robert F. Kennedy, who will receive the accolade posthumously. The list of awardees also features celebrated personalities from the realms of sports, entertainment, fashion, and film, reflecting a broad spectrum of achievements and impacts.

• José Andrés
  Known not only for his culinary prowess as a celebrity chef, Mr. Andrés has garnered attention for his humanitarian efforts. His organization, World Central Kitchen, has played a crucial role in providing food relief amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza during Biden’s administration. His team’s dedication to feeding those displaced by the war has been particularly poignant, especially after the tragic loss of seven of his workers due to Israeli airstrikes while they were on a mission in the region. This unfortunate event has underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the significant dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones.
• Bono
  The iconic Irish singer-songwriter and frontman of U2, Bono has cultivated a strong friendship with President Biden throughout his presidency. Mr. Biden has often praised U2 for their ability to serve as a cultural bridge between Ireland and the United States. Their camaraderie was evident when Biden personally introduced the band at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2022 and later welcomed Bono to the 2023 State of the Union address, celebrating their shared commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes.
• Ashton B. Carter (posthumous)
  A respected figure in national defense, Mr. Carter was a Rhodes scholar and trained physicist who served as the Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama. He was known for his dedication to advancing military policy, including expanding service eligibility for women and transgender individuals. Mr. Carter’s impactful career came to a close when he passed away at the age of 68 in 2022, leaving a legacy of progress in military inclusivity.