'An insult to America?’: GOP and Elon Musk fume over Joe Biden’s Medal of Freedom for George Soros

US President Joe Biden’s announcement of the 2025 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients has triggered a political storm. Among the 19 honourees was George Soros, a billionaire philanthropist celebrated for his contributions to democracy and human rights. His inclusion, however, drew fierce backlash from conservative commentators, political figures, and social media, underscoring his contentious reputation.

Conservative Outrage Over Soros’ Inclusion

The uproar began during Fox & Friends, where host Rachel Campos-Duffy remarked, “Joe, gird yourself. Today, Biden is going to present—get this—Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and 17 others with the Presidential Medal of Freedom!” She went on to call Soros “the most evil man,” reflecting long-standing conservative criticism of his support for progressive causes.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk added fuel to the fire, labelling the honour a “travesty” and claiming Soros “fundamentally hates humanity.” On X, Musk posted a meme comparing Soros to Star Wars character Darth Sidious, quipping, “George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting.”


Steve Bannon, a vocal opponent of Soros, called the recognition “a badge of honour for a man who epitomises everything wrong with the current administration.” GOP leader Nikki Haley referred to the award as “another slap in the face of America,” questioning the priorities of Biden’s administration.

A Polarising Philanthropist

Soros, founder of the Open Society Foundations, is lauded by his supporters for promoting human rights, education, and democracy globally. The White House praised his journey from surviving Nazi-occupied Hungary to becoming a champion of social justice. Accepting the award on his behalf, his son Alexander Soros described him as “an American patriot who has spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights.”

However, critics argue that Soros uses his wealth to sway political outcomes. His significant donations to Democratic campaigns and progressive district attorneys have drawn accusations of fostering political bias and rising crime. Internationally, his advocacy has faced resistance in countries like Hungary, Russia, and India, where his initiatives are often framed as foreign interference.

Global Reactions: From India to Social Media

In India, Soros has been a divisive figure. During the Winter Session of Parliament, BJP chief JP Nadda accused the Congress party of being linked to Soros-funded organisations, alleging a conspiracy to destabilise the country. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the claims as baseless distractions from pressing socio-economic issues.

Online, the backlash continued. Donald Trump Jr shared a viral video of a pizza delivery driver saving five children from a fire, remarking, “This guy deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom, not Soros.” For many conservatives, Soros’ recognition represented political loyalty rather than merit.

Other recipients of the award included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football legend Lionel Messi, basketball star Magic Johnson, actor Michael J. Fox, and activist Bono. Posthumous honours were given to civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.

President Biden defended the honourees, stating, “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world. They defend the values of America, even when under attack.”