New York, U.S. – Billionaire CEO Elon Musk has mocked his fellow billionaire George Soros who received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
In an X posted on Saturday shortly after the award, the Tesla CEO posted a meme of Biden giving a medal to what looked like Sheev Palpatine, the Sith Lord in Star Wars.
Musk captioned the meme saying, “George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting.”
George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting. pic.twitter.com/gNHhKyd2GQ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 5, 2025
The post has received lots of reactions and at the time of filing this report, it has amassed 44.6 million views.
Recall that on January 4, 2025, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including philanthropist and financier George Soros.
This honour, the highest civilian award in the United States, is bestowed upon individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the nation, world peace, or other significant societal endeavours.
Soros, aged 94, has long been recognised for his extensive philanthropic efforts and advocacy for democratic principles, human rights, and social justice. Through his Open Society Foundations, Soros has donated billions of dollars to support initiatives promoting education, public health, and independent media across more than 120 countries. His commitment to fostering open societies and combating authoritarianism has had a profound impact on global civil society.
President Biden’s decision to honour Soros with the Presidential Medal of Freedom underscores the administration’s recognition of Soros’s lifelong dedication to promoting democratic values and human rights.
In a statement, the White House noted that the recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.”
However, the decision to award Soros has not been without controversy. Critics have expressed concerns over his political influence, particularly his financial support for progressive causes and candidates.
Some argue that his funding of district attorney elections has contributed to increased crime rates, while others view his support for defunding police movements as detrimental to public safety.
Despite the criticism, Soros’s contributions to civil society and his philanthropic endeavours have been widely acknowledged. His efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice have left an indelible mark on global society, aligning with the values that the Presidential Medal of Freedom seeks to honour.
In addition to Soros, other notable recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, singer Bono, actor Denzel Washington, and conservationist Jane Goodall.
The ceremony celebrated a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, reflecting the administration’s commitment to honouring those who have positively impacted society.
The awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros highlights the complex interplay between philanthropy, politics, and public perception. While his contributions to promoting democratic values and human rights are commendable, the controversies surrounding his political influence continue to spark debate. Nonetheless, the honour serves as a testament to Soros’s enduring impact on global civil society.
For those interested in viewing the ceremony, a recording is available below:
