President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Democratic megadonor George Soros today, sparking outrage from critics who labeled the decision a “national disgrace.”
At 94, Soros was one of 19 people selected to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor at the White House, alongside figures like U2’s Bono, actor Denzel Washington, and former senator Hillary Clinton—who also faced criticism for her inclusion.
“George Soros spent millions electing soft-on-crime politicians that let criminals wreak havoc in our major cities,” Montana Senator Tim Sheehy told The Post. “Hillary Clinton abandoned our Navy SEALs in Libya.”
“Joe Biden’s decision to give Hillary Clinton and George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a national disgrace,” the Republican senator added.
Soros was not present at the ceremony to receive the honor in person, and instead, his son and political successor, Alex Soros, accepted the award on his behalf.
“Born into a Jewish family in Hungary, George Soros escaped Nazi occupation to build a life of freedom for himself and countless others around the world,” the citation for Soros reads.
“His inspiring generosity reminds us all of our capacity and our obligation to stand up to the abuse of power and to be guardians of democracy and all people yearning to be free,” Biden remarked.
Biden repeatedly thanked Soros for “all you’ve done to help this country.” “I am grateful for the work you will inspire for generations to follow,” Biden said to the honorees gathered in the White House East Room.
Soros, who has a net worth exceeding $7 billion, has spent decades financing far-left initiatives such as the Defund the Police movement and groups like Black Lives Matter. He has shifted billions of dollars from his wealth into his Open Society Foundations, which funds progressive causes globally and has heavily invested in races to elect far-left district attorneys in major cities, where crime rates have surged.
Soros-backed district attorneys like Alvin Bragg in Manhattan, Kim Foxx in Chicago, George Gascón in Los Angeles, and Larry Krasner in Philadelphia have been criticized for pursuing what many describe as a Marxist agenda, which includes promoting lawlessness under the guise of “criminal justice reform” rather than prosecuting criminals.
“The significant financial support of Mr. Soros and his Open Society for far left woke criminal justice reform district attorney and mayoral candidates created havoc in the criminal justice system and significant rises in crime and disorder,” said former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton.
Ray Kelly, another former NYPD commissioner, stated, “I can’t think of anyone who has done more to undermine the rule of law in this country than George Soros.”
The Hungarian-born hedge-fund billionaire contributed over $175 million to Democratic candidates during the 2022 midterms, according to Federal Election Commission records.
In 2024, Soros donated another $60 million to House and Senate Democrats and other left-wing causes through his Democracy PAC. In 2020, he spent more than $200 million to “dismantle systemic racism.”
Critics also accuse Soros of contributing to the deterioration of major cities through “harm reduction” drug policies. In New York City, a Soros-funded nonprofit caused controversy for distributing free needles, crack pipes, and even devices to “cook” heroin.
“Truly a sad day for America,” said New Jersey GOP Rep. Jeff Van Drew. “Communities all across our country will likely never recover from the damage George Soros and his radical left prosecutors have inflicted upon them.”
Soros has also faced criticism for directing tens of millions of dollars to groups backing anti-Israel protests on college campuses.
Trump ally Elon Musk condemned the decision, calling it a “travesty” on his X account.
Clinton, 77, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom nearly 12 years after her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was awarded the same honor by former President Barack Obama.
The former first lady was under FBI investigation for her use of a private email server during her time in the Obama administration but was never charged with any crime.
“Joe Biden is spending his final days in office asking ‘how can I disgrace myself even more?’ And this is just the latest example. Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted, not celebrated with the nation’s highest civilian honor,” Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) told The Post.
Clinton received a standing ovation as she accepted her award, which cited her efforts in promoting universal healthcare, women’s rights, and democracy during her tenure as secretary of state.
Among the attendees at the ceremony was Biden’s embattled son, Hunter, who had recently received clemency from his father after pleading guilty to felony tax evasion in September. He declined to answer questions from The Post.
Other honorees included primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, soccer icon Lionel Messi, and actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, along with NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
The medal is awarded to individuals who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors,” according to the White House.
{Matzav.com}