President Joe Biden sparked controversy by awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to billionaire Democratic donor George Soros and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant public or private endeavors,” the White House stated in a press release.
President Biden praised the recipients as “great leaders who have made America and the world a better place,” emphasizing their decency and extraordinary contributions.
The awards, presented on Saturday, were seen by some as a subtle jab at President-elect Donald Trump.
The White House highlighted Hillary Clinton’s historic achievements, including her tenure as Secretary of State and her role as the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.
“George Soros is an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations, supporting initiatives in over 120 countries to promote democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” the White House stated.
Notably absent was mention of Soros’s billions spent on Democrat elections and causes, drawing Republican outrage. Critics pointed to his support for “criminal reform” district attorneys, linked to rising crime rates in their cities.
“George Soros spent millions electing soft-on-crime politicians who let criminals wreak havoc in major cities,” Montana Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy told The New York Post. “Hillary Clinton abandoned our Navy SEALs in Libya.”
Critics slammed President Biden’s decision to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton and George Soros.
“Joe Biden’s decision is a national disgrace,” said former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, citing Soros’s support for policies linked to rising crime. Fellow ex-Commissioner Ray Kelly said, “No one has done more to undermine the rule of law than George Soros.”
Sen. Josh Hawley added, “Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted, not celebrated.” Others, like Sen. Tom Cotton, argued police officers deserved the honor instead of Soros-backed figures.
In addition to Clinton and Soros, recipients included Jane Goodall, Lionel Messi, Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, and Ralph Lauren.
