- by foxnews
- 08 Jan 2025
Tesla founder Elon Musk led the furious outcry, labeling the decision to award Soros the honor as "a travesty."
Musk shared a video clip of himself on Joe Rogan's podcast, where he said he believed that Soros "fundamentally hates humanity."
"He's doing things that erode the fabric of civilization. You know, getting DAs elected who refuse to prosecute crime," he says in the clip.
Online commentator Blake Habyan wrote, "What a joke - these people have done the exact opposite of what the award is intended for," while Natalie F. Danelishen wrote that the news could be a Babylon Bee story given how unbelievable it is.
"Seriously, two of the worst people on earth," she wrote.
Clinton, the White House said, made "history many times over decades in public service" and the first female senator from New York and the first First Lady to hold elected office.
After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party. As the Democrat nominee, she lost her bid to be the country's first female president when she lost to President-elect Trump in the 2016 election.
However, her tenure as Secretary of State came in for much criticism over her handling of the war in Libya and the attack on United States government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 11, 2012. Four Americans died in the attack, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.
The White House said that Soros' philanthropy across the world has strengthened democracy, human rights, education and social justice.
However, commentators on the right have slammed him for funding progressive district attorneys who have been light on crime, which they say has led to crime waves in Blue cities.
Clinton and Soros are among 17 other prominent figures to be granted the award, the nation's highest civilian honor. Those being presented with the honor represent prominent figures in politics, fashion, sport entertainment and activism.
Robert Francis Kennedy, the former Attorney General, will be posthumously awarded the gong, while other notable recipients include actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, U2 frontman Bono, former basketballer Earvin "Magic" Johnson and soccer star Lionel Messi.
"President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else," a White House statement reads. "These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."
His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality and public service, the White House said.
José Andrés, celebrity chef and founder of the World Central Kitchen charity group.
Bono, frontman for rock band U2 and an activist 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, Emmy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning actor and advocate for Parkinson's disease research and development.
Tim Gill, entrepreneur, LGBTQ rights advocate.
Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), civil rights advocate and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, legendary retired basketball player and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), former U.S. Attorney General and Senator.
Ralph Lauren, world-renowned fashion designer and cancer research advocate
Lionel Messi, soccer's most decorated player, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who supports healthcare and education programs for children
William Sanford Nye, often referred to as "Bill Nye the Science Guy," a science educator who advocates for space exploration and environmental stewardship.
George W. Romney (posthumous), businessman and former Governor of Michigan
David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, philanthropist who supports the restoration of historic landmarks and cultural institutions.
George Stevens, Jr., author and playright.
Denzel Washington, actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards. Served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Anna Wintour, fashion icon and the editor-in-chief of Vogue.
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