You’ve probably seen the photos. A President leaning over to clasp a heavy gold-and-white star around the neck of a weeping movie star, a stoic general, or a titan of industry. It is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is the "big one." The highest civilian honor the United States can give.
But honestly? The process is a lot weirder and more personal than the history books let on.
Most people think there’s a secret committee in a basement somewhere at the White House, scoring candidates on a complex spreadsheet. Nope. Not even close. According to Executive Order 11515, the President can basically give it to whoever they want, whenever they want. If the President thinks you’ve done something "meritorious," you’re in.
The 2025 Class: From Lionel Messi to Bill Nye
In January 2025, President Biden dropped a massive list of 19 names that really shows how broad this thing has become. It wasn't just politicians. We’re talking about Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player to ever live, getting a nod for his global impact. Then you had Bill Nye—yes, the Science Guy—standing in the same room as billionaire George Soros and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
It’s a wild mix.
One of the most emotional moments of the 2025 ceremony involved Michael J. Fox. Seeing him honored not just for Back to the Future, but for his absolute relentless work for Parkinson’s research, was a gut-punch for anyone watching. José Andrés, the chef who seems to show up with a kitchen every time a hurricane hits, also got his flowers.
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Here is a quick look at some of the heavy hitters from the most recent rounds:
- Hillary Clinton: Honored for decades of public service, from First Lady to Secretary of State.
- Magic Johnson: Recognized for both his NBA legacy and his massive business/philanthropy work in underserved communities.
- Denzel Washington: A legend who has been the face of the Boys & Girls Clubs for over a quarter-century.
- Jane Goodall: The woman who literally redefined what it means to be human through her work with chimpanzees.
- Bono: Because apparently, being a rock star isn't enough; you also have to tackle global poverty.
Why the Medal of Freedom is Kinda Controversial
Look, when you give one person the power to hand out the "highest honor," things are going to get political. It’s inevitable. When Biden announced George Soros and Hillary Clinton as recipients, certain corners of the internet—and Congress—basically lost their minds. Critics called it a "partisan gift."
But this isn't a new thing.
Every President uses the medal to signal their values. President Trump famously gave the medal to conservative icons like Rush Limbaugh (during the State of the Union, no less) and Jim Jordan. President Obama gave it to Ellen DeGeneres and Tom Hanks. It’s a reflection of the person sitting behind the Resolute Desk.
There’s also the "Bill Cosby Problem." In 2015, Obama was asked if he could take the medal back after Cosby’s sexual assault allegations came to light. The answer? Not really. There is no formal mechanism to revoke a Medal of Freedom. Once you have it, you have it, unless the government decides to invent a new law just for you.
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It’s Not Just for the Living
Posthumous awards are a huge part of the tradition. In 2024 and 2025, the medals went to people who never got to see them. Medgar Evers, the civil rights giant, was a notable 2024 recipient. The 2025 list included Fannie Lou Hamer, the "sick and tired of being sick and tired" voting rights activist, and Ash Carter, the former Defense Secretary.
Even Jim Thorpe, the legendary Native American athlete who was stripped of his Olympic medals in a historical injustice, finally got recognized in 2024.
Sometimes the medal is a way for the country to say, "Sorry we took so long."
The Science of the "With Distinction" Version
Did you know there’s a "boss level" version of this medal? It’s called the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. It’s incredibly rare.
Only about 8% of recipients get this version. It involves a sash and a larger star worn on the chest. Colin Powell is one of the very few people to ever receive the medal twice, with the second one being "with distinction." Ellsworth Bunker managed to get it with distinction both times.
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What This Means for You
If you’re looking at the list of recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and wondering how to get on it... well, you probably won't. But the list serves as a pretty incredible roadmap of what America thinks "success" looks like at any given moment.
It’s a blend of:
- Extreme Longevity: Most winners have been doing their thing for 30+ years.
- Cultural Resonance: You have to matter to the "vibe" of the country.
- Service over Self: Even the celebrities usually get it for their charity work, not their box office numbers.
If you want to dive deeper into the history, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) keeps the most accurate, non-partisan list of every single person who has ever worn the star. It's a fascinating read if you have a few hours to kill and want to see how the definition of "freedom" has shifted since JFK first reimagined the award back in '63.
Next Steps for the History Buff:
To really understand the impact of these awards, track the recipients through different administrations. You'll notice that while the names change, the underlying categories—Security, World Peace, and Cultural Endeavors—remain the pillars of American achievement. If you’re ever in D.C., many of these medals are on display at the Smithsonian, and seeing the actual craftsmanship of the gold eagles and blue enamel is worth the trip alone.