The White House announced the recipients, aligning their selection with the commitment to acknowledging "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world." This event, scheduled for Saturday at the White House, celebrates influencers from various fields, encompassing politics, activism, and the arts.
Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is already lauded with France's highest cultural honor and an honorary knighthood due to his extensive humanitarian work in tackling poverty and supporting HIV/AIDS initiatives. Meanwhile, Wintour has been a pivotal figure in fashion, serving as Vogue’s editor-in-chief since 1988 and contributing over $20 million to AIDS research and UK arts funding.
The award will also honor billionaire George Soros and iconic political figure Hillary Clinton, each instrumental in their respective realms. Notably, Clinton will receive the medal shortly before the inauguration of her rival, Donald Trump, who she contested in the 2016 election.
The honors extend beyond politics and fashion, with cultural icons like Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and sports legend Lionel Messi among the recipients. Other notable figures include Jose Andrés, recognized for his humanitarian work, as well as renowned British conservationist Jane Goodall and science communicator Bill Nye.
Additionally, posthumous awards will be given to esteemed figures, including former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established by John F. Kennedy, is awarded at the president’s discretion, guided by an external advisory panel. Past honorees include superstar gymnast Simone Biles and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, reflecting the medal’s legacy of honoring excellence across various sectors.
Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is already lauded with France's highest cultural honor and an honorary knighthood due to his extensive humanitarian work in tackling poverty and supporting HIV/AIDS initiatives. Meanwhile, Wintour has been a pivotal figure in fashion, serving as Vogue’s editor-in-chief since 1988 and contributing over $20 million to AIDS research and UK arts funding.
The award will also honor billionaire George Soros and iconic political figure Hillary Clinton, each instrumental in their respective realms. Notably, Clinton will receive the medal shortly before the inauguration of her rival, Donald Trump, who she contested in the 2016 election.
The honors extend beyond politics and fashion, with cultural icons like Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and sports legend Lionel Messi among the recipients. Other notable figures include Jose Andrés, recognized for his humanitarian work, as well as renowned British conservationist Jane Goodall and science communicator Bill Nye.
Additionally, posthumous awards will be given to esteemed figures, including former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established by John F. Kennedy, is awarded at the president’s discretion, guided by an external advisory panel. Past honorees include superstar gymnast Simone Biles and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, reflecting the medal’s legacy of honoring excellence across various sectors.
