Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington Reuters
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 conservationist Jane Goodall on Saturday in one of his last official acts in office.
Biden, a Democrat who leaves the White House on Jan. 20 when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, also gave what is considered America’s highest civilian honor to humanitarian and U2 singer Bono, fashion designer Ralph Lauren (NYSE: ), the “Science Guy” Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington, basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Others who received the honor at the White House included Tim Gill, an LGBT activist; David Rubenstein, philanthropist and co-founder of The The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:); and George Stevens Jr., writer and director who founded the American Film Institute.
International soccer star Lionel Messi, who did not attend the ceremony, also received the award. 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 it instead.
Biden also posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom to civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer; Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense; Robert F. Kennedy, former attorney general and US senator and brother of President John F. Kennedy; and George Romney, businessman and former Michigan governor and secretary Housing and urban development (NS:). His son, Senator Mitt Romney, accepted on his behalf.
Biden called the group of recipients “truly extraordinary people” who have given their efforts to shaping the cause and culture of America.
The choices reflect some of Biden’s passions, allies and heroes.
Clinton, who made her historic and unsuccessful run for president in 2016, was a Biden supporter including his re-election bid until he withdrew in July. The former US senator and first lady received a standing ovation from the audience at the White House.
Fox, star of the films “Back to the Future” and the TV shows “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” has Parkinson’s disease and entered the East Room in a wheelchair, but walked, with assistance, and stood up 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, daughter of the late senator, accepted the award on his behalf.
Andres, founder of the charity group World Central Kitchen, has fed scores of people in conflict zones, including Gaza, where some of his food workers were killed last year. He tried to hold back tears when he received the award.
