Written by Jeff Mason
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, actor Michael J. Fox and environmentalist Jane Goodall on Saturday in one of his last official acts in office.
Biden, a Democrat who will leave the White House on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, also bestowed what is considered America's highest civilian honor on humanitarian and U2 singer Bono, fashion designer Ralph Lauren (NYSE:), and “Science Guy” Bill Nye. , actor Denzel Washington, basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Others receiving the honor at the White House include Tim Gill, an LGBT activist; David Rubinstein, philanthropist and co-founder of The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:); and George Stevens Jr., the writer and director who founded the American Film Institute.
The award was also received by international football star Lionel Messi, who did not attend the ceremony. White House officials said the Argentine player had a scheduling conflict. Investor and philanthropist George Soros also received the award but did not attend the ceremony. His son Alex accepted him in his place.
Biden also awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously to Fannie Lou Hamer, the civil rights activist; Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense; Kennedy, former Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and brother of President John F. Kennedy; and George Romney, businessman and former governor of Michigan and Michigan secretary of state Housing and urban development (NS:). His son, Senator Mitt Romney, accepted it on his behalf.
Biden described the group of recipients as “truly extraordinary people” whose efforts shaped America’s cause and culture.
The footage reflected some of the emotions of Biden, his allies and his heroes.
Clinton, who made her historic and unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2016, was a supporter of Biden, including running for re-election until he stepped down in July. The former US Senator and First Lady received a standing ovation from the White House crowd.
Fox, a star of “Back to the Future,” “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” has Parkinson's disease and entered the East Room in a wheelchair but walked with assistance and stood when Biden placed the medal. Around his neck. He smiled and clapped throughout the ceremony.
Biden said Kennedy was one of his “true political heroes.” Kathleen Kennedy, the late senator's daughter, accepted the award on his behalf.
Andrés, founder of the charity group World Central Kitchen, has fed dozens of people in conflict zones, including in Gaza, where some of his food aid workers were killed last year. He tried to hold back his tears when he received the award.
