Social media erupted in anger on Saturday morning with the news that President Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and left-wing billionaire George Soros.
The award, the nation’s highest civilian honor, is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant civic, public or private endeavors, the White House said in a statement.
Tesla founder Elon Musk led the furious outrage, labeling the decision to award Soros the honor “a travesty.”
Musk shared a video clip of himself on Joe Rogan’s podcast, saying he believed Soros “fundamentally hates humanity.”
“He’s doing things that are eroding the fabric of civilization. You know, electing prosecutors who refuse to prosecute crime,” he says in the clip.
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On Saturday, President Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left-wing billionaire George Soros and seventeen others during a ceremony at the White House. (Shannon Finney/Getty Images, left, Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images, bottom right, Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images, top right, Getty, inset.)
Online commentator Blake Habyan wrote: “What a joke – these people have done the exact opposite of what the award is intended for,” while Natalie F. Danelishen wrote that the news could be a Babylon Bee story given how incredible it is .
“Seriously, two of the worst people on earth,” she wrote.
Clinton, the White House said, has “made history many times over in decades of public service” and is the first female senator from New York and the first First Lady to hold elected office.
After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party in the United States. As a Democratic candidate, she lost her bid to become the country’s first female president when she lost to newly elected President Trump in the 2016 elections.
However, her tenure as Secretary of State was widely criticized over her handling of the war in Libya and the attack on U.S. government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012. Four Americans were killed in the attack, including Ambassador Christoffel Stevens.
She also used a private email server for government business. Although FBI Director James Comey publicly said Clinton had mishandled classified information, he declined to recommend prosecution, and the Justice Department declined to move forward with the case.
Tesla founder Elon Musk led the furious outrage, labeling the decision to award Soros the honor “a travesty.” (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Her husband, former President Bill Clintonreceived the same honor from former President Barack Obama.
Soros, one mega-democratic donorruns a web of nonprofits that fund various candidates around the world who align with his progressive agenda, including his Open Society Foundations. According to his website, Soros has donated more than $32 billion to Open Society Foundations since 1984.
The White House said Soros’ philanthropy has strengthened democracy, human rights, education and social justice around the world.
However, commentators on the right have lambasted him for funding progressive prosecutors with little focus on crime, which they say has led to crime waves in blue cities.
Actor Denzel Washington also receives the gong. (Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images))
Saturday’s ceremony comes just days after Biden awarded former Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Democratic Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson with the Presidential Citizen Medal after the pair oversaw the controversial Jan. 6 House Select Committee. The Presidential Citizens Medal is the second highest civilian medal.
Clinton and Soros are among 17 other prominent figures to receive the award, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Those receiving this honor represent prominent figures from politics, fashion, sports, entertainment and activism.
Robert Francis Kennedy, the former attorney general, will receive the gong posthumously, while other notable recipients include actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, U2 frontman Bono, former basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson and soccer star Lionel Messi.
“President Biden believes that great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else,” a White House statement read. “These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
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Kennedy, the father of the former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.is recognized for combating racial segregation and, as a United States senator, sought to “address the country’s poverty and inequality.”
His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality and public service, the White House said.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), former Attorney General and Senator of New York, pictured in 1968. (Santi Visalli/Getty Images)
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José Andrés, celebrity chef and founder of the charity group World Central Kitchen.
Bonofrontman of rock band U2 and activist against AIDS and poverty.
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous), 25th Secretary of Defense.
Hillary Rodham Clintonformer First Lady and former Secretary of State.
Michael J. Fox, Grammy Award-winning actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.
Tim Gill, entrepreneur, advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Dr. Jane Goodallworld-renowned ethologist and conservationist.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), civil rights advocate and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Earvin ‘Magical’ Johnsonlegendary retired basketball player and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), former US Attorney General and Senator.
Ralph Laurenworld-renowned fashion designer and cancer research advocate
Lionel Messifootball’s most decorated footballer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador supporting health and education programs for children
William Sanford Isoften called “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” a science teacher who advocates space exploration and environmental stewardship.
George W Romney (posthumous), businessman and former governor of Michigan
David M. Rubensteinco-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, philanthropist supporting the restoration of historic monuments and cultural institutions.
George Sorosphilanthropist and founder of Open Society Foundations.
George Stevens Jr., author and actor.
Denzel Washingtonactor, director and producer who has won two Academy Awards. Served as national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 25 years.
Anna Wintourfashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue.
