|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Biden Honors George Soros at Medal of Freedom WH Ceremony; Critics Call it “Slap in the Face” to American Values
Edited by: Fern Sidman
President Joe Biden presided over a star-studded Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House on Saturday, recognizing an extraordinary group of individuals for their profound contributions to society. This prestigious event, as reported by ABC News, celebrated luminaries including Bono, José Andrés, Lionel Messi, Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, and other trailblazers who have shaped culture and advanced humanity. Each honoree received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded for exemplary achievements that align with the core values of the United States and promote global peace and progress.
George Soros is responsible for the breakdown of American society. His goal is the destruction of the West. He supports illegal immigrants, Antifa, Palestinian terror enthusiasts, campus disrupters, etc.
Of course this is all wonderful in Biden’s world. So he’s giving Soros the… pic.twitter.com/jKXZNrCWSZ
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) January 4, 2025
In his remarks, President Biden reflected on the profound significance of the occasion. “For the final time as president, I have the honor of restoring the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who gave up their sacred air … to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said, as highlighted by ABC News. The president named 19 recipients, emphasizing their unique roles in fostering societal growth and justice. He concluded his address with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help.”
The White House, in a statement cited by ABC News, articulated Biden’s philosophy of leadership: “Great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.” The administration lauded the recipients as embodiments of these ideals, commending their substantial contributions to the nation and the global community. The honorees, the statement added, represent “great leaders who are good people” whose work has profoundly impacted the world.
This sums up Biden’s pitiful presidency.
Honouring Soros who has wreaked so much damage across America. Gross.
pic.twitter.com/zWiD1yhrpm— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) January 4, 2025
Among the standout honorees was Hillary Clinton, whose storied career in public service has broken barriers and set new precedents. As the White House detailed, Clinton “made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate.” Her pioneering journey also included serving as Secretary of State and becoming the first woman to secure a major political party’s nomination for president. The ABC News report called attention to her inclusion in this distinguished group as a testament to her enduring influence.
Another honoree, Tim Gill, was recognized for his transformative efforts in advancing LGBTQI rights. The White House described him as “a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality.” Gill’s advocacy has reshaped societal norms and fostered greater inclusivity, furthering the administration’s commitment to equity and justice.
Among the most poignant moments of the ceremony was the tribute to Fannie Lou Hamer, a legendary civil rights activist whose tireless fight for racial justice forever altered America’s political and social landscape. Described by the White House as someone who “transformed the struggle for racial justice in America,” Hamer remains a towering figure in the history of American democracy.
Born in the heart of the Jim Crow South in 1917, Hamer rose from the brutal realities of sharecropping in Mississippi to become a fearless advocate for voting rights. Her emotional testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention exposed the systemic disenfranchisement of Black Americans and galvanized national support for change. Hamer’s efforts directly influenced the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark achievement in the fight for racial equality.
George Soros LITERALLY helped the Nazis kill Jews and then years later laughed about it and said how it made him euphoric and that he did not have any regrets.
Now, Biden gives him a Medal of Freedom? pic.twitter.com/CtImYekUTA
— ⭐️The FJC⭐️ (@The_FJC) January 4, 2025
Hamer’s legacy is not merely one of defiance but also of hope—a reminder that ordinary individuals can reshape the course of history through extraordinary courage.
The Medal of Freedom ceremony also celebrated cultural and artistic luminaries who have used their platforms to inspire global change.
Bono, the iconic lead singer of U2, was honored not just for his music but for his decades-long activism in humanitarian causes, including debt relief for developing nations and global health initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS.
Michael J. Fox, beloved actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate, was recognized for his relentless efforts in medical research and public awareness about the neurodegenerative disorder. Through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, he has helped raise over $1 billion to fund research for a cure.
Denzel Washington, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, has not only shaped American cinema but has also contributed significantly to philanthropic causes, including education, veterans’ support, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
George Stevens Jr., acclaimed playwright, filmmaker, and founder of the American Film Institute, was acknowledged for his vast contributions to American cultural heritage and his role in preserving cinematic history.
These honorees remind us of the transformative power of storytelling, art, and advocacy.
In the realm of style and cultural influence, Ralph Lauren and Anna Wintour have left indelible marks on the world of fashion and beyond.
Ralph Lauren, an American fashion designer synonymous with elegance and timeless style, has built an empire that transcends clothing, representing an aspirational vision of the American dream.
Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue, has not only shaped fashion journalism but also pioneered initiatives like the Met Gala, which have transformed cultural philanthropy.
In 1998, George Soros was asked about the time he collaborated with Nazis to confiscate Jewish property as a child.
Steve Kroft: “Was it difficult?”
Soros: “Not at all. Not at all.”
Kroft: “No feeling of guilt?”
Soros: “No.”
— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) January 4, 2025
Both Lauren and Wintour epitomize creativity, innovation, and cultural stewardship.
The sporting world was well-represented with the inclusion of Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lionel Messi, two legends who have transcended their fields to become global symbols of resilience and excellence.
Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and HIV/AIDS advocate, has shattered barriers both on and off the court. His openness about his HIV diagnosis in 1991 changed public perceptions of the disease and sparked vital conversations about health and stigma.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has inspired millions with his extraordinary talent and dedication. While Messi was unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, his influence on global sports culture remains unparalleled.
Scientific education and environmental stewardship also took center stage with honors bestowed upon Jane Goodall and Bill Nye.
Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, revolutionized our understanding of primates and ecosystems. Her tireless advocacy for environmental preservation continues to inspire generations of scientists and activists.
Bill Nye, affectionately known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” has educated millions through his groundbreaking television series and unwavering commitment to science literacy.
Both honorees have made the complex world of science accessible and compelling, fostering curiosity and action across generations.
The Medal of Freedom also celebrated José Andrés, the celebrated chef and founder of the World Central Kitchen. Andrés has redefined humanitarian aid by providing millions of meals to communities ravaged by natural disasters, war, and crises. From earthquake-stricken Haiti to war-torn Ukraine, Andrés and his organization have become synonymous with hope and immediate action.
Private equity magnate and philanthropist David Rubenstein was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to cultural, educational, and civic institutions. As chairman of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, and the Council on Foreign Relations, Rubenstein has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enriching public life through education, diplomacy, and the arts.
The ceremony concluded with the honoring of George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). In his acceptance statement, Soros highlighted his immigrant journey and expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor,” he stated, dedicating the medal to the collective efforts of those aligned with OSF’s mission.
With Soros unable to attend, his son Alex Soros, Chairman of OSF, accepted the award on his behalf.
Social media activists weighed in on the selection of Soros as recipient of the Medal of Freedom award. They said: “The Medal of Freedom is for those who strengthen America, not those funding its collapse. Yet George Soros—who’s spent $40M installing left-wing DAs pushing pro-crime agendas—is being honored. Soros-backed prosecutors govern areas covering one-fifth of Americans. Meanwhile, crime soars in places like Philly, LA, and Chicago. His billions also fund activist media to spin his agenda and suppress dissent under the guise of “fact-checking.” Rewarding Soros is a slap in the face to the very freedoms the medal is supposed to uphold.”
Several posthumous awards added a somber reverence to the ceremony. ABC News reported that Robert Francis Kennedy, a former Attorney General and senator, was honored for his relentless fight against racial segregation and efforts to address poverty and inequality. Defense Secretary Ashton Baldwin Carter was acknowledged for his unwavering dedication to national security, and former Michigan Governor George Romney was celebrated for his years of service and impact on public life. The inclusion of these figures shines a spotlight on the Medal of Freedom’s role in commemorating legacies that continue to inspire.
