As many as 19 people were awarded the US' highest civilian award by President Joe Biden for their contributions to America and the world on Sunday.
The US government awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to individuals who have contributed to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.
Spanish-American chef Jose Andres, Irish singer-songwriter and activist Bono, Canadian-American activist and retired actor Michael J Fox, entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights activist Tim Gill and legendary retired basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson also received the award.
Meanwhile, Argentinian football star Messi could not attend the White House in person to receive the award from the US presiden due to a scheduling conflict.
Ashton Carter, who served as the 25th Secretary of Defence, Robert Francis Kennedy remembered as an Attorney General who fiercely combatted racial segregation, Fannie Lou Hamer, who transformed the struggle for racial justice in America, and George W Romney, a businessman were awarded posthumously. The medals were received by their family members.
Meanwhile, many people has opposed the award given to George Soros. The award was accepted by his son Alex Soros on behalf of George Soros,
However, Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters and Republican leadership has slammed Biden for giving the award to Soros. Elon musk said that Biden giving Soros the Medal of Freedom is a "travesty".
Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; American fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; scientist Bill Nye and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.
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