"Travesty": Elon Musk On George Soros Receiving Highest US Civilian Award

Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly criticised US President Joe Biden's decision to honour billionaire philanthropist George Soros with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom," Musk stated bluntly on X.

A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom https://t.co/LGvGe8kqKE

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 4, 2025

President Biden announced the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, naming 19 individuals whose contributions span politics, philanthropy, sports, and the arts. Soros, a billionaire investor and founder of the Open Society Foundations, was cited for his "focus on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice," according to the official White House statement.

Other notable awardees this year include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football legend Lionel Messi, and actors Michael J Fox and Denzel Washington, among others.

Soros' selection has sparked polarised responses, particularly given his longstanding role as a key donor to Democratic causes and his frequent vilification by Republican politicians. Critics, including Musk and several Republican figures, have framed the honour as politically motivated. President Biden, however, defended the list of recipients as individuals who embody America's values and contribute to its global standing.

"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," Biden stated during the announcement.

The Republican Party has long accused Soros of using his wealth to influence global politics.