Ralph Lauren and David Rubenstein Among Other Honorees.
President Joe Biden has presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor in the United States—to George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and prominent supporter of progressive and Democratic causes. Soros, 94, was among 19 distinguished individuals recognized during a ceremony held at the White House on Saturday.
The choice to honor Soros stands out given his prominence in political discourse and his frequent portrayal as a target of criticism, often from right-wing figures globally. Some attacks against Soros have drawn condemnation for their antisemitic undertones and echoes of old conspiracy theories concerning Jewish influence.
In the official remarks at the ceremony, Soros’ Jewish heritage was acknowledged. “Born into a Jewish family in Hungary, George Soros escaped Nazi occupation and went on to create opportunities for freedom not only for himself but for countless others worldwide,” the White House noted.
The decision to award Soros sparked backlash from some conservative voices, including Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of social media platform X, who criticized the recognition, calling it a “travesty” in a public post. Musk has been closely linked to the incoming Trump administration, making his criticism especially noteworthy.
With Soros unable to attend in person, his son Alex Soros, who now leads the family’s Open Society Foundations, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
In addition to Soros, two other notable Jewish figures were among the honorees. David Rubenstein, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, received the medal alongside renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, Lauren was recognized for his contributions to fashion, with the White House praising him for “redefining the industry through a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition.”
Chef José Andrés, founder of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen, was another recipient of the prestigious award. His organization has provided vital aid in conflict zones, including Gaza. Last year, an Israeli airstrike claimed the lives of seven of his staff members, prompting international scrutiny and protests. Israel later issued an apology, stating that the strike had been unintentional. Photo by World Economic Forum, Wikimedia commons.
