George Soros was unable to attend the event; his son, Alex Soros, accepted the award on his behalf.
On January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to philanthropist George Soros, recognizing his significant contributions to promoting freedom and justice worldwide.
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Soros, a survivor of Nazi-occupied Hungary and subsequent Communist repression, has donated over $32 billion to various causes through his Open Society Foundations.
The ceremony, held at the White House, also honored other notable figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Denzel Washington, and U2’s lead singer Bono. Soros was unable to attend the event; his son, Alex Soros, accepted the award on his behalf.
The decision to honor Soros has sparked controversy. Critics argue that his financial support for progressive initiatives, such as district attorney elections and police reform movements, has contributed to increased crime rates. Supporters, however, commend his dedication to advancing human rights and democratic values globally.
Soros‘s philanthropic efforts have focused on supporting open societies and combating oppression in various regions, including providing aid to besieged Sarajevo and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities like the Rohingya and Europe’s Roma population.
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