The President of the United States has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Spanish chef José Andrés and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, among other celebrities and public figures, with the honors set to be presented this Saturday.
Among the 19 honorees are also former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist and major Democratic donor George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, who will receive the recognition posthumously.
José Andrés has been praised for his work in delivering food to war zones or areas devastated by natural disasters, sometimes at great personal risk, as seen in the Gaza Strip, where several aid workers were killed in Israeli airstrikes. In 2024, his presence was also notable in Valencia, after the devastating storm that affected the Spanish province. He has also provided aid to populations in Puerto Rico following Tropical Storm 'Ernesto', Ukraine, and Greece, which was ravaged by wildfires.
The medal is "awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other important social, public, or private efforts," as the White House reminded.
Conservationist and scientist Jane Goodall, along with several actors, athletes, and entertainment figures such as U2's lead singer Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, footballer Lionel Messi, basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren, have also been honored.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award given by the President of the United States and is considered the highest honor in the country. It is meant to recognize individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the national security or national interests of the United States, world peace or culture, or other important public or private initiatives.