Elon Musk triggered an uproar after President Joe Biden conferred billionaire financier George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on Saturday. Noted for his stern criticism of Soros, Musk referred to the award as ‘a travesty” during a podcast appearance, alleging Soros “fundamentally hates humanity.”
Taking his denunciation deeper, Musk posted a meme on X comparing Soros to Darth Sidious from Star Wars, punning, “George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting.”
GOP leaders and Republican leaders joined Musk in criticizing Biden’s decision. Nikki Haley, a GOP leader, branded the award “another slap in the face of America,” referring to Biden’s decisions and alleging him of fulfilling political agendas over national values. “Sixteen days until the inauguration. What’s next? January 20th can’t come soon enough,” Haley remarked.
Donald Trump Jr. rang out the travesty with posting a viral video of a pizza delivery driver who saved five children from a burning home. “This guy deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom, not Soros,” he tweeted, condemning the mention of Soros in the list of awardees.
Soros’ philanthropy was recognized amidst backlash as he was known for his global philanthropy and promotion for human rights, obtaining the honor for his efforts in advocating democracy, education, and justice at a global level. The citation lauded his journey from surviving Nazi-occupied Hungary to becoming a leader of open societies and social justice.
Receiving the award on behalf of his father, Alexander Soros applauded him as “an American patriot who has spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights.”
A controversial figure in politics, While Soros is celebrated for his philanthropy, his political activism has drawn a lot of criticism. A critical funder to the Democratic Party, Soros has also provided funds to progressive district attorneys, a step his disapprovers blame for rising crime in major US cities.
His international activism has been to the same degree controversial. In a 2020 speech at the World Economic Forum, Soros condemned nationalism, including in India, claiming it as the “biggest setback” for global democracy.
A star-studded honoree, Soros was among the 19 Medal of Freedom recipients, including soccer legend Lionel Messi, basketball star Magic Johnson, activist and singer Bono, and actor Michael J. Fox. Posthumous honors were given to civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.
The recognition of Soros, however, remains the most controversial, intensifying the cultural and political divides surrounding his contributions.
