New Delhi: Billionaire philanthropist George Soros has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, sparking sharp reactions, including criticism from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk, a frequent critic of Soros, called the decision a “travesty” on social media platform X.
Table of Contents
Biden Defends Soros’ Selection
President Joe Biden announced the list of 19 honorees, highlighting their contributions to democracy, human rights, and social justice. The official White House statement praised Soros for his global initiatives that strengthen democracy and promote social equity. Soros’ son, Alex Soros, accepted the award on his behalf.
The list of recipients also included prominent figures like Hillary Clinton, football legend Lionel Messi, and actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington.
Polarised Reactions
Soros’ selection drew mixed reactions due to his role as a key Democratic donor and a frequent target of Republican criticism. Critics, including Musk, accused Biden of making a politically motivated choice.
Republican figures have long claimed that Soros uses his wealth to influence global politics, a sentiment echoed in the US and other countries like Hungary and Russia, where his initiatives have faced significant pushback.
Soros’ Influence in India
The controversy around Soros isn’t limited to the US. In India, he was a central figure in a heated political debate during the Winter Session of Parliament. BJP chief JP Nadda accused the opposition Congress of being a “tool” for foreign forces, citing alleged ties between Sonia Gandhi and Soros-funded organizations. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the allegations as baseless and an attempt to divert attention from pressing national issues.
Biden’s Stand
President Biden defended the recipients, stating:
“These nineteen individuals embody America’s values and have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world.”
Despite the criticism, the recognition reaffirms Soros’ impact on global philanthropy and democracy-building efforts.