President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to 19 recipients on Friday, May 3. Many of the awardees are allies of Biden from the Democratic Party, as revealed by the list published by the White House.
The recipients of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Vice President Al Gore, and former Secretary of State John Kerry.
Democratic Congressman Jim Clyburn from South Carolina also received the medal for his crucial support of Biden during the 2020 primaries.
Prior to presenting the medals to each honoree, Biden delivered individual speeches. He described the ceremony as one of his favorite activities in the White House and shared the history of President Kennedy establishing the Medal of Freedom 61 years ago.
Biden stated, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of our nation – our people strive to ensure that America’s ideals and freedom shine like the sun, illuminating the future of the world.”
The President said, “These 19 extraordinary individuals, with their enduring curiosity, creativity, originality, and hope, make us believe in a better tomorrow.”
Biden specifically acknowledged Clyburn, stating, “Without Jim, I wouldn’t be here as President giving out awards. Jim is the best, thank you.”
He also highlighted Pelosi’s defense of democracy during the events at Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021.
Biden mentioned that Bloomberg “fundamentally changed our economy,” “changed us, and also challenged us.”
Pointing out Gore’s popular vote victory, Biden noted, “But for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions, he accepted the results of the presidential election.” This seems to be a critique of former President Trump’s refusal to accept the outcome of the 2020 election.
Other recipients of the award include Malaysian-Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh, Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky, activist Opal Lee, and former Secretary of State John Kerry.
Biden noted that Yeoh “continuously breaks stereotypes and enriches American culture.”
Regarding Ledecky’s 10 Olympic medals, Biden added, “I can’t wait to welcome you back to the White House with more medals for the U.S. team after the Paris Olympics this summer.”
Other awardees include Catholic priest Gregory J. Boyle, former Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole, and media personality Phil Donahue.
About Donahue, Biden stated, “Through candid and open conversations, he has changed people’s hearts and minds.”
Biden also paid tribute to civil rights activist Clarence B. Jones, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, astronomer Jane Rigby, United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero, and former Director of the Johnson Space Center at NASA, Ellen Ochoa.
The late Jim Thorpe, the first American Indian Olympic gold medalist, former Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, and civil rights activist Medgar Wiley Evers were posthumously awarded the medal.