GOP lawmakers hit Biden for awarding Medal of Freedom to Soros, Clinton
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SUMMARY
President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 individuals on January 4, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The recognition drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accused Biden of favoring Democratic megadonors and political allies. GOP figures like Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) criticized the honors, citing Soros’ substantial financial support for Democratic causes, including a $60 million donation to a liberal Super PAC in 2024. Other honorees included actor Denzel Washington, chef José Andrés, scientist Bill Nye, and athletes Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Biden praised the recipients as cultural icons and humanitarians, but backlash centered on Soros’ polarizing role in politics and Clinton’s contentious legacy.
