You’ve seen the photos. A smiling President leans over a podium in the East Room, draping a blue ribbon around the neck of a Hollywood icon or a legendary scientist. It looks like the ultimate "good job" from the government. Honestly, it kind of is.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States. Period. But the list of recipients of the presidential medal of freedom is way weirder and more political than most people realize. It’s not just a hall of fame for nice people. It’s a map of American power, culture, and, sometimes, raw political debt.
Who Actually Gets the Medal?
Basically, anyone the President wants to give it to. Seriously.
Executive Order 11085, signed by JFK in 1963, says the medal is for "especially meritorious contribution" to the security of the U.S., world peace, or "cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." That last part is basically a giant loophole. It allows for a massive range of winners. Think about it. How do you compare the work of Mother Teresa to the golf swing of Tiger Woods? You can't. But they both have the same medal.
As of early 2026, the count is hovering around 700 awards. Most go to Americans, but not all. Margaret Thatcher got one. So did Pope John XXIII.
The 2024 and 2025 Waves
The last two years have been a whirlwind for the medal. In May 2024, President Biden handed out 19 medals. The list was a mix of heavy hitters and activists.
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- Nancy Pelosi: The first female Speaker of the House.
- Al Gore: The former VP who became the face of climate change activism.
- Katie Ledecky: The swimmer who basically redefined what it means to be dominant in the pool.
- Michelle Yeoh: The first Asian woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress.
Then came January 2025. This was a massive "closing the books" ceremony for the Biden administration. He awarded 19 more. This group was heavy on global fame and massive philanthropy. Denzel Washington finally got his. So did Michael J. Fox, who has arguably done more for Parkinson's research than any living human. Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation that lasted so long it actually delayed the rest of the ceremony.
There were some surprises, too. Lionel Messi—yes, the soccer player—was honored, reflecting his massive impact on the American sports landscape since moving to Miami. Bono from U2 was there, recognized for his decades of humanitarian work. It was a star-studded afternoon that felt more like the Oscars than a government event.
The Politics of the Medal
Let's be real. The medal is often a political tool.
Presidents use it to reward loyalists or signal their values. When Donald Trump gave the medal to Rush Limbaugh during the State of the Union, it wasn't a universal "yay" moment. It was a signal to his base. When Barack Obama awarded it to Joe Biden (with distinction!) in a surprise ceremony, it was an emotional send-off to a partner.
There is no "Selection Committee" that has the final say. There are no public ballots. The President can take suggestions from the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board, but they don't have to. If a President wants to give a medal to their favorite golfer, they can. And they have.
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Can you lose the medal?
Actually, no.
This is one of the most common misconceptions. People often ask if the medals given to Bill Cosby or Harvey Weinstein can be revoked. In 2015, Obama famously addressed this regarding Cosby, saying there is "no precedent" for revoking a medal. Once it’s around your neck, it stays on your record. Forever.
Misconceptions and Quirks
The medal isn't just one thing. It has "levels."
Most people get the standard medal. But there is a version "with Distinction." This is rare. It includes a sash and a star. To put it in perspective, only about 8% of all awards are given with distinction. Colin Powell is one of the very few people who received the medal twice—once from George H.W. Bush and a second time (with distinction) from Bill Clinton.
The Posthumous Problem
A lot of people think the medal is only for the living. Not true. Some of the most powerful moments in the East Room happen when a family member accepts the award for someone long gone.
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- Medgar Evers: The civil rights icon murdered in 1963 was finally honored in 2024.
- Robert F. Kennedy: Awarded posthumously in 2025, accepted by his daughter Kerry Kennedy.
- Fannie Lou Hamer: The "sick and tired of being sick and tired" activist was recognized decades after her death.
The Cultural Impact
Is it just a piece of jewelry? Probably not.
For the recipients of the presidential medal of freedom, it's a validation. When Ellen Ochoa (first Hispanic woman in space) or Jane Rigby (chief scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope) receive this, it elevates science in the national conversation. It tells kids that being a "space nerd" is just as prestigious as being a movie star.
But it also creates a weird hierarchy. We live in a country that technically doesn't have titles of nobility. We don't have Knights or Dames. The Medal of Freedom is the closest thing we've got to a "Sir" or "Lady" title. It’s our version of the British honors system, minus the capes. Sorta.
What to Look for Next
If you're following the news, watch the July 4th announcements and the "lame duck" periods of any presidency. That's when the most medals are handed out.
The list of recipients of the presidential medal of freedom will always be a reflection of who we think we are as a country—or at least, who the person in the Oval Office thinks we should be. It’s a messy, beautiful, political, and inspiring tradition.
If you want to track the history, start by looking at the 1963 inaugural class. Compare it to the 2025 class. You’ll see how much America has changed in 60 years. The names move from Cold War architects to tech billionaires and activists who were once considered "troublemakers" by the very government now honoring them. That's the real story.
Next Steps for You:
Check the official White House archives or the National Archives website. They maintain the full, chronological list of every recipient since 1963. You can filter by category—like "Science" or "Sports"—to see how the awards have shifted over different administrations. It's a great way to see which Presidents prioritized culture over politics, or vice versa.