Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono and billionaire George Soros are among those who received America’s highest civilian honours from outgoing President Joe Biden yesterday. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined actors Denzel Washington and Michael J Fox as they also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony yesterday. Nineteen people received the honour this year, spanning the worlds of culture, politics and activism.
The White House said the recipients had been chosen because were the “good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world”. “Together, you leave an incredible mark – and I mean this sincerely, this group – you leave an incredible mark on our country.” Bono, who’s real name is Paul David Hewson, had already been awarded the highest cultural honour of France and received an honorary knighthood.
He is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those with HIV/Aids. Wintour, one of the most significant players in fashion, has been serving as editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988 and among other charities helped raised more than $20m for Aids research. She also raised money for UK arts organisations following funding cuts in 2022.
The White House said in a statement that billionaire philanthropist and Democratic megadonor George Soros had “supported organizations and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education and social ju.
