President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to nineteen individuals across politics, sports, entertainment, science, and advocacy in a ceremony at the White House. Recipients included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros, actor Denzel Washington, and basketball legend Magic Johnson. Biden awarded four medals posthumously to George W. Romney, Robert F. Kennedy, Ash Carter, and Fannie Lou Hamer for their significant contributions to public service and civil rights. The Medal of Freedom recipients were recognized for their exemplary contributions to U.S. prosperity, values, security, world peace, and impactful societal endeavors.