2025 Medal of Freedom Recipients

President Biden’s 2025 Medal of Freedom Recipients

President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor, to Earvin "Magic" Johnson in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to society. On January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden presented the medal to 19 recipients for their achievements in public service, humanitarian efforts, scientific advancements, and cultural contributions. Honorees included Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Bono, and Lionel Messi, reflecting a diverse range of accomplishments.

President Biden's Presidential Medal of Freedom Honorees (2025)

1. Hillary Clinton

   • For her decades of public service, including being the first First Lady elected to the Senate, serving as Secretary of State, and becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.

2. Bono

   • For his activism and contributions to humanitarian causes through music and advocacy.

3. Lionel Messi

   • For his contributions to sports and global influence as a legendary soccer player.

4. Jane Goodall

   • For her pioneering work in conservation and advancing scientific understanding of primates.

5. José Andrés

   • For founding the World Central Kitchen and providing relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict.

6. Michael J. Fox

   • For his advocacy and research funding for Parkinson's disease.

7. Denzel Washington

   • For his achievements in acting and his dedication to community and philanthropic efforts.

8. George Stevens Jr.

   • For his work as a playwright and contributions to American culture.

9. Ralph Lauren

   • For his influence on American fashion and philanthropy.

10. Anna Wintour

• For her impact on the global fashion industry and contributions to cultural journalism.

11. Earvin "Magic" Johnson

• For his extraordinary basketball career and efforts to support communities through entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

12. Bill Nye ("The Science Guy")

• For his contributions to science education and advocacy for sustainability.

13. George Soros

• For decades of philanthropic work through the Open Society Foundations.

14. David M. Rubenstein

• For his philanthropic contributions in areas such as education, healthcare, and the arts.

15. Tim Gill

• For advancing LGBTQI rights and equality through entrepreneurship and advocacy.

16. Robert Francis Kennedy (Posthumous)

• For his efforts in combating racial segregation and addressing poverty and inequality.

17. Ashton Baldwin Carter (Posthumous)

• For his work in ensuring national security as Secretary of Defense.

18. George Romney (Posthumous)

• For his public service and leadership as the governor of Michigan.

19. Fannie Lou Hamer (Posthumous)

• For her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, particularly in advancing voting rights for Black Americans.

Keywords:
Presidential Medal of Freedom, Joe Biden, 2025 honorees, public service, humanitarian achievements

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