Emmanuel OchayiUS President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including Democratic allies and notable figures in culture, activism, and sports.
The ceremony at the White House had clear political undertones, with Biden taking pointed digs at his election rival Donald Trump. Biden honored former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Vice President Al Gore, and other prominent Democrats, praising their contributions to democracy and the country.
In his remarks, Biden highlighted Pelosi’s defense of democracy during the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol, and Gore’s acceptance of his disputed election loss in 2000 for the sake of national unity.
Biden said that “history will remember Nancy as the greatest speaker of the House of Representatives.”
“On January 6, Nancy stood in the breach and defended democracy,” said Biden, who has repeatedly bashed Trump for what he says is the former president’s fueling of the Capitol assault.
Biden’s comments drew a clear contrast to Trump’s refusal to accept defeat. The ceremony also honored Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky, and civil rights leader Medgar Evers, who was murdered in 1963.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the country’s top civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the United States, world peace, or other important societal endeavors.
Biden then praised Gore, 76, who served as vice president to Bill Clinton and narrowly lost the 2000 election after a Supreme Court decision before going on to be a climate campaigner.
“After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions,” Biden said.
“That to me was amazing what you did Al — but I won’t go into that,” Biden said to laughter. He often uses a similar phrase to indicate that he is referring to Trump without naming him directly.
The ceremony comes just six months before the next US presidential election, with Biden’s comments and awards seen as a clear message to his political opponents.
