Biden Causes Controversy With Presidential Medal Of Freedom Recipients
President Joe Biden sparked controversy after awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to billionaire Democratic donor George Soros and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” announced the White House in a press release.
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” the statement continued.
The awards ceremony, held on Saturday, was seen by some as a direct provocation aimed at President-elect Donald Trump.
“Secretary Clinton made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party,” the White House noted.
Regarding Soros, the statement described him as “an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners, and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.”
Noticeably absent, however, was any mention of Soros’ billions of dollars invested in Democratic campaigns and causes, a fact that drew sharp criticism from Republicans.
Conservative leaders were particularly incensed over Soros’ role in funding progressive district attorneys whose policies, they argue, have led to surges in crime across U.S. cities.
“George Soros spent millions electing soft-on-crime politicians that let criminals wreak havoc in our major cities,” Montana Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy told The New York Post. “Hillary Clinton abandoned our Navy SEALs in Libya.”
“Joe Biden’s decision to give Hillary Clinton and George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a national disgrace,” Sheehy added.
Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton also weighed in, stating, “The significant financial support of Mr. Soros and his Open Society for far-left woke criminal justice reform district attorney and mayoral candidates created havoc in the criminal justice system and significant rises in crime and disorder.”
Echoing those sentiments, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly remarked that he could not “think of anyone who has done more to undermine the rule of law in this country than George Soros.”
New Jersey Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew called it “a truly sad day for America,” noting that “communities all across our country will likely never recover from the damage George Soros and his radical left prosecutors have inflicted upon them.”
“Joe Biden is spending his final days in office asking, ‘How can I disgrace myself even more?’ And this is just the latest example,” said Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley. “Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted, not celebrated with the nation’s highest civilian honor.”
Republican commentator Bill Mitchell pointed to the stark consequences of Soros-backed prosecutors, tweeting, “40% of U.S. homicides occur in areas with Soros-backed prosecutors. Meanwhile, Biden awarded Soros a Medal of Freedom. Americans deserve leaders who prioritize safety, not political favors.”
Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton criticized the decision, stating, “Police officers deserve the Medal of Freedom for dealing with violent criminals set free by Soros prosecutors.”
In addition to Soros and Clinton, the prestigious award was also presented to figures in culture and entertainment, continuing a long-standing tradition. Recipients included primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, soccer star Lionel Messi, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour (another prominent Democratic supporter), and former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson.