On January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 distinguished individuals in a heartfelt ceremony at the White House. The recipients represent a diverse group of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who have profoundly contributed to the nation’s prosperity, values, security, and cultural legacy.
Here’s the complete list of this year’s honorees and their remarkable achievements:
1. Hillary Clinton
- Contribution: Former Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and First Lady
Hillary Clinton was recognized for her decades of public service and her leadership in advancing women’s rights, global diplomacy, and healthcare reform.
2. Michael J. Fox
- Contribution: Actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease research
Michael J. Fox was honored for his groundbreaking advocacy and funding efforts through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised millions for Parkinson’s disease research.
3. Lionel Messi
- Contribution: International soccer player and philanthropist
Messi was celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to sports and his philanthropic work through the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports healthcare and education for underserved children.
4. Denzel Washington
- Contribution: Actor, director, and philanthropist
Denzel Washington received the honor for his outstanding contributions to the arts and his extensive charitable work supporting underprivileged communities.
5. Bono
- Contribution: Lead singer of U2, humanitarian, and activist
Bono was recognized for his activism in combating poverty and preventable diseases, as well as his dedication to global human rights.
6. Ralph Lauren
- Contribution: Fashion designer and philanthropist
Ralph Lauren became the first fashion designer to receive this honor, recognized for his iconic contributions to American style and his philanthropic efforts supporting cancer research and education.
7. Jane Goodall
- Contribution: Primatologist and conservationist
Dr. Jane Goodall was celebrated for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and her tireless advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
8. Earvin “Magic” Johnson
- Contribution: NBA legend and entrepreneur
Magic Johnson was honored for his contributions to sports and his impactful work in fostering opportunities for minority communities through his business ventures.
9. José Andrés
- Contribution: Chef and humanitarian
Chef José Andrés was acknowledged for his efforts in providing meals to disaster-stricken areas worldwide through his nonprofit organization, World Central Kitchen.
10. Bill Nye
- Contribution: Science educator and advocate
Bill Nye, affectionately known as “The Science Guy,” was celebrated for his commitment to promoting science literacy and education for all ages.
11. Anna Wintour
- Contribution: Editor-in-chief of Vogue
Anna Wintour was recognized for her influence in fashion journalism and her unwavering support for emerging designers and cultural diversity in the industry.
12. George Soros
- Contribution: Philanthropist and financier
George Soros was honored for his philanthropic work in promoting democracy, education, and human rights through the Open Society Foundations.
13. Tim Gill
- Contribution: LGBTQ+ rights activist
Tim Gill received the medal for his advocacy and financial support of LGBTQ+ equality and civil rights through the Gill Foundation.
Posthumous Honorees
14. Fannie Lou Hamer
- Contribution: Civil rights leader
Fannie Lou Hamer was celebrated for her tireless fight for voting rights and racial equality during the civil rights movement.
15. Robert F. Kennedy
- Contribution: Former U.S. Attorney General and Senator
Robert F. Kennedy was honored for his dedication to social justice and human rights, continuing the legacy of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.
16. George W. Romney
- Contribution: Former Governor of Michigan and civil rights advocate
George W. Romney was recognized for his leadership in advancing civil rights and public service as a governor and cabinet member.
17. Ash Carter
- Contribution: Former Secretary of Defense
Ash Carter was honored for his innovations in national defense and efforts to modernize the U.S. military.
18. Judy Shepard
- Contribution: LGBTQ+ rights advocate
Judy Shepard, co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, was celebrated for her work in combating hate crimes and promoting LGBTQ+ rights following the tragic death of her son, Matthew Shepard.
19. Jim Thorpe
- Contribution: Athlete and Native American sports pioneer
Jim Thorpe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and iconic athlete, was honored posthumously for his extraordinary contributions to sports and his role as a trailblazing Native American figure.
A Celebration of Excellence
The 2025 recipients are committed to advancing human rights, environmental protection, cultural innovation, and scientific literacy. Their collective achievements embody the values defining the Presidential Medal of Freedom, inspiring Americans and global citizens.
President Biden emphasized the importance of honoring individuals whose dedication and perseverance have shaped the nation’s progress. “These honorees remind us that the American spirit thrives through compassion, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” Biden said during the ceremony.
