Controversy Surrounds Biden's Decision to Honor Clinton and Soros with Presidential Medal of Freedom

On Saturday morning, social media was ablaze with fury as it was announced that President Biden would bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and left-wing philanthropist George Soros.

The White House announced that the award, the nation's highest civilian honor, is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, led the outcry, calling the decision to award Soros the honor a "travesty."

On Joe Rogan's podcast, Musk posted a video clip in which he stated that he believed Soros had a deep-seated hatred for humanity.

"He's undermining the foundation of society by electing DAs who decline to prosecute crimes," he stated.

Blake Habyan, an online commentator, stated, "This is a joke - these individuals have done the opposite of what the award was meant for," while Natalie F Danelishen wrote that the news is so unbelievable, it could be a Babylon Bee story.

Two of the worst people on earth, she wrote seriously.

The White House stated that Clinton, who served for decades, made history as the first female senator from New York and the first First Lady to hold elected office at the same time.

She was the first woman to be nominated for president by a major US political party after serving as Secretary of State. Despite being the Democrat nominee, she lost her bid to become the country's first female president in the 2016 election, when she lost to President-elect Trump.

Her tenure as Secretary of State was heavily criticized due to her management of the Libya war and the 2012 attack on US government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in the death of four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

Although FBI Director James Comey publicly stated that Clinton mishandled classified information, he declined to recommend prosecution, and the Justice Department refused to pursue the case.

Former President Bill Clinton was awarded the same honor by former President Barack Obama.

Since 1984, Soros, a prominent Democrat donor, has given over $32 billion to his Open Society Foundations, which supports global candidates who share his progressive agenda.

The White House stated that Soros' global philanthropy has fortified democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.

Critics on the right have criticized him for supporting progressive district attorneys who have been lenient on crime, resulting in crime surges in blue cities.

The Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian medal, will be awarded to former Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Mississippi Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson on Saturday, just days after they oversaw the controversial Jan. 6 House Select Committee.

Among 17 other notable individuals, the pair will receive the nation's highest civilian award, which honors prominent figures in politics, fashion, sport, entertainment, and activism.

The former Attorney General, Robert Francis Kennedy, will receive a posthumous award, alongside other notable recipients such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, U2 frontman Bono, former basketballer Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and soccer star Lionel Messi.

"Great leaders are those who maintain faith, offer fair opportunities, and prioritize decency, as President Biden believes," a White House statement declares. "These nineteen individuals exemplify great leadership by being good people who have made exceptional contributions to their country and the world."

Kennedy, the father of former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is being recognized for his efforts to combat racial segregation and as a United States Senator, he sought to address poverty and inequality in the country.

The White House stated that his legacy continues to inspire those dedicated to justice, equality, and public service.

José Andrés, a renowned chef and the founder of the World Central Kitchen charity organization.

U2's frontman Bono is also an activist who fights against AIDS and poverty.

Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous), 25th Secretary of Defense.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, former First Lady and former Secretary of State.

Michael J. Fox, a Grammy Award-winning actor and advocate for research and development of Parkinson's disease.

Tim Gill, entrepreneur, LGBTQ rights advocate.

Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist.

Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights advocate and the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, was a posthumous figure.

The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded by the legendary retired basketball player and philanthropist Earvin "Magic" Johnson, supports underserved communities.

Robert F. Kennedy, the late Attorney General and former New York Senator.

Ralph Lauren, world-renowned fashion designer and cancer research advocate

Lionel Messi, a soccer player with numerous accolades, is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for healthcare and education initiatives for children.

Bill Nye, a science educator and advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship, is commonly known as "William Sanford Nye."

George W. Romney (posthumous), businessman and former Governor of Michigan

David M. Rubenstein, a co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, is a philanthropist who supports the restoration of historic landmarks and cultural institutions.

George Soros, philanthropist and Open Society Foundations founder.

George Stevens, Jr., author and playright.

Over 25 years, Denzel Washington has been the National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in addition to being an actor, director, and Academy Award-winning producer.

Anna Wintour, fashion icon and the editor-in-chief of Vogue.