It is the highest civilian honor in America. No uniforms. No rank. Just a blue ribbon and a gold-trimmed star that says you changed the world.
When Biden gives Medal of Freedom awards, the East Room of the White House usually feels less like a stuffy government office and more like a high-end family reunion. There’s laughter. Sometimes there are tears. Honestly, it’s one of the few times in D.C. where everyone actually seems to like each other for an hour.
During his final years in office, President Joe Biden went big. He didn't just pick a few names. He picked 19 people in May 2024 and another 19 in January 2025. We're talking about heavy hitters like Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, and even Lionel Messi.
The 2024 Class: Politics, Sports, and a 93-Year-Old Icon
In May 2024, the vibe was all about "relentless curiosity." That’s what Biden called it, anyway. He stood in front of a packed room and handed out 19 medals to a group that was, frankly, all over the map. You had Nancy Pelosi standing next to Michelle Yeoh.
One of the most moving moments involved Clarence B. Jones. He's 93. He was the guy who helped Martin Luther King Jr. write the "I Have a Dream" speech. When he got the call from the White House, he literally thought it was a prank. He asked the caller if they were serious. They were.
Biden got a bit personal when he talked about Jim Clyburn. He basically admitted he wouldn't be President without the guy. "I mean that sincerely," he said. It wasn't just political fluff; it was a nod to the 2020 South Carolina primary that saved his campaign.
Then you had Katie Ledecky. She’s 27 and has enough gold medals to sink a small boat. Biden joked about her age, telling her not to let it get in her way. It was a self-deprecating wink at his own critics who were constantly talking about his birth certificate.
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Others in that 2024 group included:
- Al Gore: For his climate work and, well, being Al Gore.
- Opal Lee: The "Grandmother of Juneteenth."
- Michael Bloomberg: The former NYC mayor.
- Medgar Evers: Awarded posthumously for his civil rights sacrifice.
- Jane Rigby: The scientist behind the James Webb Space Telescope.
The 2025 Surprise: Hillary, Magic, and a Soccer GOAT
Fast forward to January 4, 2025. This was one of Biden's last major acts before the transition. He dropped another list of 19 names. This one felt like a "greatest hits" of American (and global) culture.
Hillary Clinton got a massive standing ovation. Biden noted she made history "many times over." It felt like a closing chapter for a lot of people in that room. But then the list veered into Hollywood and sports.
Michael J. Fox was there. People got emotional. Seeing him receive the medal for his Parkinson’s advocacy after everything he’s been through—it hits different. Denzel Washington finally got his ceremony too (he missed a previous one).
But the real "wait, what?" moment for some was Lionel Messi. Yes, the soccer legend. While he's Argentinian, the medal can go to non-citizens who have made significant contributions. Between his impact on Inter Miami and his global charity work, he made the cut.
The 2025 recipients also included:
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- Magic Johnson: For his business empire and HIV/AIDS advocacy.
- Bono: The U2 frontman who worked on the PEPFAR program.
- Bill Nye: Because everyone loves the Science Guy.
- Dr. Jane Goodall: The legendary primatologist.
- George Soros: The billionaire philanthropist (his son Alex accepted for him).
- Fannie Lou Hamer: A posthumous honor for the civil rights warrior.
Why the Medal of Freedom Actually Matters
You might think this is just a photo op. Sorta. But legally, it’s based on Executive Order 11085, signed by JFK in 1963. It gives the President "wide latitude." There’s no committee that votes. There’s no public nomination process. It is purely the President’s call.
Biden used this power to highlight a specific narrative: resilience. If you look at the names—Judy Shepard, Michael J. Fox, Father Greg Boyle—they are all people who took a bad situation or a hard life and turned it into something for others.
Does it have "Degrees"?
Technically, yes. There is the "Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction." It’s rare. It has a different design (a sash and a larger star). Most people you see on TV are getting the standard version. Biden himself received the "With Distinction" version from Obama in 2017 in a ceremony that famously made him cry.
Can it be revoked?
People ask this every time a controversial figure gets one. The short answer: nobody knows. No president has ever officially revoked one. Obama once said there is "no precedent" for it. Once you have it, you have it.
The Logistics: What Really Happens in the Room
It’s crowded. The East Room isn't as big as it looks on C-SPAN. When Biden gives Medal of Freedom honors, the recipients sit in the front rows, and their families are packed in behind them.
The citations are read by a military aide. They’re usually about a paragraph long. They summarize a whole life in about 60 seconds. Then the President walks over, picks up the medal, and tries to clasp it behind their neck without getting it caught in their hair.
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It’s an awkward physical moment every single time.
After the formal stuff, there’s usually a reception. That’s where the real magic happens. You’ll see Magic Johnson chatting with Hillary Clinton while Bill Nye explains something to a random staffer. It’s the ultimate "Who’s Who" of American life.
Actionable Insights for History Buffs
If you're following these awards or looking to understand the legacy of the Biden years, here’s how to stay informed:
- Check the White House Archives: Every citation is published word-for-word. If you want to know exactly why someone like Tim Gill or Ellen Ochoa was chosen, read the official text. It’s better than the news snippets.
- Watch the Full Video: Don't just watch the clips. The full ceremonies (usually on the White House YouTube channel) show the interactions between recipients. You see the human side of these icons.
- Track the "With Distinction" Awards: Keep an eye on the design. If the medal is on a sash rather than a neck ribbon, it’s the higher degree. It tells you the President considers that person in a different tier of historical importance.
- Look for Patterns: Presidents use these medals to signal their values. Biden’s focus was heavily on civil rights, climate change, and "decency." Comparing his lists to previous presidents reveals a lot about the changing priorities of the country.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom remains the one award that can bridge the gap between a Hollywood red carpet and a community center in the rural South. It’s a messy, beautiful, and deeply American tradition.
Next Steps
To get the most accurate picture of this legacy, visit the National Archives website to search for "Presidential Medal of Freedom Citations." This will give you the primary source documents for every recipient mentioned above, including the specific reasoning provided by the Biden administration for their selection. For those interested in the physical history, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History often displays various versions of the medal and explains the craftsmanship behind the gold and enamel star.