'A travesty': Elon Musk slams Biden’s Medal of Freedom for George Soros as MAGA outrage grows

Musk also took to Twitter to post a meme comparing Soros to the Star Wars character Darth Sidious, writing, “George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting.”

Elon Musk sparked a fierce outcry after President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros on Saturday. Musk, known for his outspoken criticisms of Soros, labeled the decision a 'travesty,' sharing a video on a podcast where he claimed Soros 'fundamentally hates humanity.' Musk also took to Twitter to post a meme comparing Soros to the Star Wars character Darth Sidious, writing, “George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting.”

A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom https://t.co/LGvGe8kqKE Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 4, 2025

George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting. pic.twitter.com/gNHhKyd2GQ
Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 5, 2025

Republicans Join the Criticism

The decision to bestow the highest civilian honor on Soros was met with criticism from multiple Republican leaders, further intensifying the controversy. GOP leader Nikki Haley called it “another slap in the face of America,” following Biden’s actions to reduce the sentences of murderers and pardon his son. “16 days is a long time until the inauguration. What is he capable of sliding in next? January 20th can’t come soon enough,” she added.

Giving George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom is another slap in the face of America after reducing the sentences of murderers and pardoning his son. 16 days is a long time until the Inauguration. What is he capable of sliding in next? January 20th cant come soon enough. Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) January 4, 2025

Donald Trump Jr. Calls for Recognition of Heroic Acts Over Political Contributions

President-elect Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., also voiced his disapproval, sharing a video of a pizza delivery driver who rushed into a burning house to save five children, suggesting that the driver “deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom… Not the clowns like Soros and the others who got it from Biden this week.”

This guy deserves the presidential medal of freedom Not the clowns like Soros and the others who got it from Biden this week. https://t.co/onifnV8xdU
Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 4, 2025

Soros’ Philanthropy and Advocacy for Human Rights Recognized

Despite the controversy, Soros was awarded the Medal of Freedom for his support of global organisations and initiatives that promote democracy, human rights, education, and social justice. The citation for Soros praised him for building a life of freedom after escaping Nazi-occupied Hungary and becoming an advocate for open societies, rights, and justice. His son, Alexander Soros, accepted the award on his father’s behalf, calling him an American patriot who has spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights.

Soros’ Political Activism Draws Criticism

However, Soros’ political activism has not been without its critics. He is one of the largest donors to the Democratic Party and has funded progressive district attorneys, a stance that some argue has contributed to rising crime rates in several US cities. Soros has also been outspoken against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, particularly criticising nationalism in India during a 2020 speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he described the rise of nationalism as the “biggest setback” for global democracy.

A Diverse Group of Honorees Recognised by Biden

Soros was among 19 honorees recognized by Biden, a group that included singer and activist Bono, basketball legend Magic Johnson, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, and fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Posthumous awards were given to Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent civil rights leader.