In his final act as president, Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a diverse group of individuals recognized for their contributions to policy, philanthropy, and culture in the United States and beyond. Among the recipients were former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, humanitarian and chef José Andrés, actor Denzel Washington, U2 frontman Bono, conservationist Jane Goodall, and many more.
During the ceremony, Biden praised the honorees for their efforts in shaping American culture and causes, stating that they embodied the nation's creed of unity. The awards also included posthumous honors for individuals such as civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and former Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter.
The audience gave Clinton a standing ovation, with Biden's office highlighting her achievements in advancing women's rights as the first woman to secure a major political party's presidential nomination. Biden personally presented each recipient with their medal, including a humorous moment with basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson.