Washington, D.C – American investor and philanthropist George Soros has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“We’re proud to announce that our founder, George Soros, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States,” the Open Society Foundations said Sunday, (5 January 2025).
President Joe Biden recognised Soros for his lifelong commitment to advancing more just societies and promoting human rights around the world.
The presidential remarks praised Soros: “His inspiring generosity reminds us all of our capacity and our obligation to stand up to the abuse of power and to be guardians of democracy and all people yearning to be free.”
The award was presented by President Biden at a ceremony in the White House, with Open Society Chair Alex Soros accepting the honor on his father’s behalf.
Soros’s journey to America was shaped by his early experiences surviving the Holocaust and living under Communist rule in Hungary.
His philanthropic work began more than 40 years ago with scholarships for Black South African students during apartheid.
Since then, he has contributed more than $32 billion to support the mission of the Open Society Foundations.
Over the years, the organisation has expanded its reach to more than 100 countries, funding civil society groups and projects that strengthen democracies worldwide.
In the United States, Soros has advanced racial justice, supported public health-based drug policy reform, revolutionised end-of-life care, and played a pivotal role in securing marriage equality nationwide – one of the most significant civil rights victories in modern American history.
Learn more about the history of George Soros’s philanthropy and the Open Society Foundations.
