Fox News reported on Saturday widespread backlash after President Joe Biden announced that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire George Soros will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other notable endeavors, the White House said in a statement.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was among the most vocal critics, describing the decision to honor Soros as "a travesty." Musk shared a clip from his appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, where he said Soros "fundamentally hates humanity." In the video, Musk said, "He's doing things that erode the fabric of civilization. You know, getting DAs elected who refuse to prosecute crime."

Controversial Honors

According to the White House, Clinton is being honored for her decades of public service, including being the first female senator from New York, the first First Lady to hold elected office, and the first woman nominated for president by a major political party. However, her tenure as Secretary of State remains controversial, particularly her handling of the 2012 Benghazi attack and her use of a private email server for government business, not to mention accusations of her being implicated in war crimes.

As Secretary of State, Clinton played a key role in advocating for NATO's intervention in Libya, which led to the overthrow and death of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. While the intervention was initially framed as a humanitarian mission, critics argue it destabilized Libya, leading to civil war, a rise in militant groups, and a humanitarian crisis.

Whaaaat?

Biden awards Hillary Clinton the "Medal of Freedom.”

🤡 pic.twitter.com/0AbrfnGS4I

— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) January 4, 2025

Soros, a major donor to many causes, has donated over $32 billion to his Open Society Foundations to "promote democracy, human rights, and social justice" globally. Critics, however, accuse him of using his wealth to fund color revolutions in post-Soviet states, Eastern Europe, and other regions. His involvement has been framed as a form of foreign meddling aimed at advancing Western geopolitical interests under the guise of promoting democracy and human rights. 

Read more: Indian tax probe uncovers Soros-linked NGOs: Report

Clinton and Soros are among 19 honorees this year, including actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, sports icons Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi, and the late Robert F. Kennedy, who is being recognized posthumously for his work against racial segregation and poverty.

"President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else," the White House said, adding, "These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."