You’ve seen the photos. A president leans in, drapes a heavy ribbon around the neck of a smiling celebrity or a somber war hero, and the room erupts in applause. It looks like the ultimate "good job" from the highest office in the land. But honestly, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a lot weirder and more political than most people realize. It’s the nation's highest civilian honor, sure. Yet, there’s no secret committee vetting these folks in a dark room. There’s no rigorous point system. Basically, if the President wants you to have one, you get one.
This creates a fascinating, sometimes messy tapestry of American history. You have Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr. on the same list as professional athletes and, occasionally, people who end up being pretty controversial later on. It’s a snapshot of what a specific President thinks "greatness" looks like at that exact moment in time.
What the Presidential Medal of Freedom Actually Is
Most people mix this up with the Congressional Gold Medal. They aren't the same. While Congress has to pass actual legislation to give out their gold, the President just needs a pen and an invitation to the East Room.
Established in its current form by John F. Kennedy in 1963, the medal replaced an older, strictly military-focused version from the Truman era. Kennedy wanted to honor people who made "especially meritorious" contributions to U.S. security, world peace, or cultural endeavors. He didn't live to see the first ceremony. Lyndon B. Johnson had to hand them out instead, including a posthumous one to JFK himself.
The design is distinctive. It’s a white star on a red pentagon with gold eagles. If you see someone wearing one with a larger star or a sash, that’s the "With Distinction" version. It’s the VIP tier of an already very VIP club. Think of it as the difference between a regular Oscar and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2025 Class: From Philanthropists to Pop Stars
In early January 2025, President Joe Biden added 19 names to the roster. It was a massive haul that leaned heavily into civil rights and global philanthropy. Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation. So did chef José Andrés, the guy behind World Central Kitchen who seems to show up with food whenever a disaster hits anywhere on the planet.
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The list was diverse, to say the least:
- George Soros: The billionaire philanthropist whose inclusion sparked the usual firestorm of political debate.
- Michael J. Fox: Recognized for his decades of advocacy for Parkinson's research.
- Lionel Messi: Proving that you don't actually have to be American to get the medal if you're a global icon (though he couldn't make the ceremony).
- Fannie Lou Hamer: A posthumous award for the civil rights legend who famously said she was "sick and tired of being sick and tired."
- Bill Nye: Yes, the Science Guy. Because science education matters, especially now.
Is It Just a Political Tool?
Short answer? Kinda.
Since the President has total "wide latitude"—that’s the legal term for "doing whatever they want"—the awards often mirror the administration’s priorities. When Donald Trump was in office, he leaned into sports legends like Tiger Woods and Mariano Rivera, along with conservative figures like Rush Limbaugh. When Barack Obama held the pen, he honored a record number of artists and activists, including Ellen DeGeneres and Bruce Springsteen.
Critics say this devalues the medal. They argue it’s become a way to reward donors or political allies. Maybe. But looking at the long tail of history, the list mostly holds up. It’s a record of who moved the needle in American culture. Whether it’s a scientist like Jonas Salk or a writer like Toni Morrison, these are people who changed how we live or think.
Can You Lose Your Medal?
This is the question that pops up every time a recipient falls from grace. Think Bill Cosby. When he was convicted (and later had that conviction vacated), people screamed for the White House to take the medal back.
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President Obama addressed this directly in 2015. He basically said there’s no precedent for revoking it. There’s no "undo" button in the executive order. Once you’re in the books, you’re in. This makes the selection process a bit of a gamble. You're betting on a person's entire future legacy, not just what they've done lately.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Highest Honor"
We call it the "highest civilian honor," but it’s actually tied with the Congressional Gold Medal for that title. The difference is purely in the delivery. The Presidential version is a neck decoration—you can actually wear it to fancy dinners. The Congressional version is a literal heavy gold coin. You can’t wear a coin.
Also, it’s not just for Americans. You’ve got Angela Merkel, Margaret Thatcher, and Nelson Mandela on the list. If your work impacts the "national interests of the United States," you’re eligible. It’s a soft-power tool. It’s a way for the U.S. to say, "We see what you're doing for the world, and we approve."
Behind the Scenes: How You Actually Get Noticed
There is no "application" for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. You can't just have your PR firm send a binder to the White House. Well, you can, but it probably won't work.
Most recipients are funneled through the White House Staff Secretary's office. Members of Congress frequently send letters of recommendation, but the final call is 100% the President's. Sometimes it's a personal connection. Other times, it's a response to a groundswell of public support. For instance, the push for Opal Lee—the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"—was a years-long effort by activists that finally ended with her getting the medal in 2024.
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The "No" Club
Believe it or not, some people say no.
- Dolly Parton: Turned it down twice from the Trump administration. First because her husband was sick, then because of the pandemic. She’s since said she’s not sure she should take it now because it might look political. Classic Dolly.
- Bill Belichick: The legendary Patriots coach was set to receive it in 2021 but declined following the January 6th Capitol riots, citing a shift in focus to "citizenship and democracy."
Why the Medal Still Matters in 2026
In a world that feels increasingly fractured, the medal ceremony is one of the few times the country pauses to celebrate "merit." Even if you don't agree with every name on the list, the existence of the award forces a conversation about what we value.
Is it the billionaire who funds schools? Is it the actor who makes us cry? Or is it the soldier who saved his platoon?
Usually, it's all of the above. The Presidential Medal of Freedom tells the story of America's aspirations, even when we fall short of them.
Your Next Steps for Exploring This History
If you’re a history buff or just curious about who else has made the cut, you don't have to take my word for it.
- Check the Archives: The National Archives maintains the full list of recipients since 1963. It's a trip to see names like Duke Ellington and Walt Disney listed next to Supreme Court justices.
- Visit a Presidential Library: If you're near a site like the LBJ Library in Austin or the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, they often have the actual medals on display. They’re much larger and more intricate in person than they look on TV.
- Watch a Ceremony: YouTube has the full 2024 and 2025 ceremonies. Pay attention to the citations read by the military aides. They are masterclasses in concise, powerful storytelling.