President Joe Biden is set to award the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 19 people at the White House on Saturday.
The list of 19 recipients includes renowned athletes such as Lionel Messi and longtime politicians like Hillary Clinton.
According to the White House, all 19 individuals “have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other important societal, public, or private endeavors.”
Biden is also expected to award three medals posthumously. The list includes former US Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, women’s rights activist Fannie Lous Hamer, former US Attorney General Robert Francis Kennedy Sr. and former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George W .Romney.
The medals are awarded by the president to individuals who have had a significant cultural impact or made great contributions to the country or the world.
Here is the full list of 2025 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients:
José Andrés
José Andrés, a famous Spanish-American chef and restaurateur who received several James Beard awards, “popularized the cuisine of his native Spain in his adopted homeland, the United States,” said the White House.
Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen and “has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world,” the White House added.
Bono
Born Paul David Hewson, Bono is the frontman of the legendary rock band U2 and is also a pioneer in the fight against AIDS and poverty.
According to the White House, Bono “brought together politicians from opposing parties to create America’s PEPFAR AIDS program, and is a co-founder of the campaign organizations ONE and (RED).”
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ashton Baldwin Carter was the former United States Secretary of Defense under former President Barack Obama.
Carter “dedicated his career to making the nation safer for everyone,” the White House said. “Throughout his career, he served under 11 Secretaries of Defense in Democratic and Republican administrations.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Former Secretary of State, First Lady and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton “became the first woman nominated for president by a major American political party,” the White House said.
Michael J. Fox
Actor Michael J. Fox, best known for his roles as “Marty McFly” in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, has received five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Grammy Award. .
Fox “is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development,” the White House said.
Tim Gil
Tim Gill is an American entrepreneur who became one of the first openly gay people to be listed on the Forbes 400 of America’s richest people.
“After transforming the publishing industry with revolutionary software, he leveraged his success to achieve key victories in the fight for marriage equality and protection against discrimination,” the House said. White.
Jane Goodall
Ethologist and ecologist Jane Goodall’s research “has transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution,” the White House said.
Goodall “is a strong advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world,” the White House added.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
Fannie Lou Hamer was a women’s rights and voting rights activist who “transformed the fight for racial justice in America,” the White House said.
Hamer is the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, where she challenged the exclusion of black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Retired basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships, “is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation,” the White House said .
Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous)
Former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy Sr. “fought fiercely against racial segregation and, as a U.S. senator, sought to address poverty and inequality in the country,” said the White House.
“Kennedy’s legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality and public service,” the White House added.
Ralph Lauren
Legendary American fashion designer Ralph Lauren “has redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition,” the White House said.
Lauren “influenced culture, business and philanthropy, including in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner,” the White House added.
Lionel Messi
Former Real Madrid star and current Inter Miami CF striker Lionel Messi is the most decorated football player in history.
Messi “supports health and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,” the White House said.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye, best known for his role in his eponymous educational television show “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” has influenced generations of students in the United States and beyond.
“His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a strong advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship,” the White House said.
George W. Romney (posthumous)
George W. Romney was president of American Motors Corporation, governor of Michigan, and secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He was the father of former United States Senator Mitt Romney.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group. Rubenstein “built one of the most successful investment companies in the world,” the White House said.
Rubenstein is “renowned for his philanthropy and generous support of the restoration of the nation’s historic monuments and cultural institutions,” the White House added.
George Soros
Billionaire George Soros is a Hungarian-American philanthropist who founded the Open Society Foundation in 1993. The foundation focuses on providing financial support to civil societies around the world that advance justice, education, public health and independent media.
“Through his network of foundations, Soros has supported organizations and projects around the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education and social justice,” the White House said.
George Stevens, Jr.
Writer, playwright, director and producer George Stevens Jr. is the founder of the American Film Institute.
Stevens “informed American ideals of racial equity and justice for half a century,” the White House said. “His award-winning career was dedicated to the preservation and celebration of American cinema and the performing arts, including founding the American Film Institute and establishing the Kennedy Center Honors.”
Denzel Washington
Renowned American actor and director Denzel Washington has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.
Washington is best known for his roles in films such as 1989’s “Glory,” 1992’s “Malcolm X” and 2001’s “Training Day.”
Anna Wintour
Famous fashion icon Anna Wintour has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988.
Wintour is a “champion of philanthropic causes” and the “primary architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer of Condé Nast,” the White House said.
NBC Chicago
