You’ve probably seen the photos. A President standing behind a famous actor, a legendary athlete, or a quiet civil rights hero, draping a blue ribbon with a gold-and-white star around their neck. It’s a moment of peak American pomp. But if you’re wondering what is a Presidential Medal of Freedom exactly—beyond just a fancy photo op—you aren’t alone.
Honestly, it’s the highest honor a civilian can get in the United States. It basically says, "This person changed the world (or at least our corner of it) in a way that really mattered."
It Started with World War II
It wasn’t always called the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Back in 1945, President Harry S. Truman created the "Medal of Freedom" to honor people who did something extraordinary during the war but weren't in the military. It was a way to say thanks to the spies, the researchers, and the logistics wizards who helped win the fight.
Then came JFK. In 1963, John F. Kennedy decided the award needed a makeover. He wanted something that celebrated excellence in peacetime, too. He signed Executive Order 11085, which officially turned it into the high-status award we see today.
Tragically, Kennedy was assassinated before he could hand out the first batch of the "new" medals. His successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, had to finish the job. He even added Kennedy himself to the list posthumously.
Who Actually Gets One?
The criteria are surprisingly broad. The President can give it to anyone who has made an "especially meritorious contribution" in three big buckets:
- The security or national interests of the U.S.
- World peace.
- Cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
That last one is a bit of a catch-all. It's why you see everyone from Michael J. Fox and Magic Johnson to Pope Francis and Jane Goodall on the list.
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There’s no formal nomination committee. There are no public hearings. Basically, the President just decides. Sometimes they take suggestions from staff or members of Congress, but at the end of the day, it’s a solo call.
The "With Distinction" Version
Did you know there are actually two levels? Most people get the standard medal. But every now and then, a President hands out the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.
It’s rare. Like, really rare.
It’s the same medal, but the design is slightly different—usually worn as a sash over the right shoulder with a star on the left chest. Think of it as the "Platinum" version of the award. Only about 8% of all recipients have ever received this version. People like Colin Powell and Ellsworth Bunker actually received the medal twice, which is a massive flex in the world of diplomacy.
Wait, Can You Lose It?
This is a question that comes up a lot, especially when a recipient gets caught up in a scandal. You might remember people calling for Bill Cosby’s medal to be revoked after his sexual assault convictions.
But here’s the thing: there is no legal process to take it back.
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In 2015, Barack Obama famously said there’s "no precedent" for revoking the medal. Once the President puts it around your neck, it’s yours for good. The law doesn't have a "delete" button for civilian honors, even if the public sentiment changes.
Presidential Medal of Freedom vs. Congressional Gold Medal
People mix these up all the time. They are both the "highest civilian honor," which is confusing.
Think of it this way: the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the President’s personal gift to a citizen. The Congressional Gold Medal is a law.
For the Congressional version, two-thirds of both the House and Senate have to agree on the recipient, and then the President has to sign it into law. Because it requires a literal Act of Congress, it’s often seen as harder to get. The Presidential Medal is more about the sitting President’s specific values and interests.
Recent Honorees: Who’s on the List for 2024 and 2025?
The list of recipients is a weirdly perfect time capsule of American culture. In the last couple of years, we've seen a real mix of heavy hitters:
- Hillary Rodham Clinton: Recognized for her decades in public service.
- Lionel Messi: The soccer legend got the nod in 2025.
- Michelle Yeoh: The Oscar winner was honored for her contributions to the arts.
- Fannie Lou Hamer: Awarded posthumously for her legendary civil rights work.
- Michael Bloomberg: For his massive philanthropic efforts.
Why Does It Still Matter?
Some critics argue the medal has become too political. Since the President has total control, they often pick people who align with their own party or personal "brand."
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But even with the politics, the medal still carries a massive amount of weight. When you see someone like the late Medgar Evers or the astronomer Jane Rigby getting recognized, it reminds people that the U.S. government still finds value in courage and discovery.
It’s more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a permanent entry in the history books.
How to Track the Next Recipients
If you want to keep tabs on who’s being honored, your best bet is to follow the White House Briefing Room or the Office of the Press Secretary. Nominations aren't public, so the announcement usually drops just a few days or weeks before the ceremony in the East Room.
For those looking to dive deeper into the history of every single person who has ever received one, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) maintains a massive, public database that lists every recipient since 1963. It’s a fascinating read if you’re into the intersection of politics and pop culture.
Keep an eye out for the next ceremony dates—usually, they happen around the Fourth of July or at the very end of a President’s term.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the full roster: Visit the White House website and search for "Medal of Freedom" to see the most recent citations.
- Compare the winners: Read through the CRS report on Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients to see how different Presidents used the award.
- Learn the design: Look up the "with Distinction" insignia to see the visual differences between the standard and the sash versions.