Washington, D.C – Renowned American investor and philanthropist George Soros has been honored with the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“We are thrilled to share that our founder, George Soros, has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian accolade in the United States,” proclaimed the Open Society Foundations on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

President Joe Biden recognized Soros for his lifelong commitment to promoting equitable societies and advancing human rights on a global scale.

The President noted Soros’s contributions: “His extraordinary generosity reminds us all of our ability and duty to challenge the abuse of power and uphold democracy for those yearning for freedom.”

The award was presented by President Biden during a White House ceremony, with Open Society Chair Alex Soros accepting the honor on behalf of his father.

Soros’s path to the United States was deeply shaped by his experiences during the Holocaust and his life under Communist rule in Hungary.

His philanthropic journey began over 40 years ago with the creation of scholarships for Black South African students during the apartheid period.

Since then, he has contributed more than $32 billion to support the mission of the Open Society Foundations.

Over the years, the organization has broadened its reach to over 100 countries, funding civil society initiatives that strengthen democracies worldwide.

In the United States, Soros has championed racial justice, backed reforms in health-based drug policies, improved end-of-life care, and played a pivotal role in advancing marriage equality nationally – marking a significant triumph for civil rights in modern American history.

Learn more about the award.

Delve into the history of George Soros’s philanthropy and the Open Society Foundations.