News and HeadlinesNational News

Actions

Simone Biles, Gabby Giffords, Denzel Washington among Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients

Simone Biles
Posted
and last updated

President Joe Biden announced who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The list of 17 includes athletes, politicians, actors and activists:

  • Simone Biles
  • Gabrielle Giffords
  • Steve Jobs (posthumous)
  • John McCain (posthumous)
  • Megan Rapinoe
  • Denzel Washington
  • Raúl Yzaguirre
  • Fred Gray
  • Father Alexander Karloutsos
  • Khizr Khan
  • Sandra Lindsay
  • Diane Nash
  • Alan Simpson
  • Richard Trumka (posthumous)
  • Wilma Vaught
  • Sister Simone Campbell
  • Julieta García

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It's presented to those who have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."

The medals will be presented during a ceremony at the White House on July 7.