The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the United States’ highest civilian honors, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy. Traditionally awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to American society in areas such as culture, politics, science, and human rights, it is meant to recognize extraordinary achievement in a wide range of fields.

However, over the years, the medal’s gravitas has diminished, and its political implications have become increasingly pronounced. While initially designed to honor those whose accomplishments reflected the values of the nation, the awarding of the medal has, in recent times, become a subject of controversy, with recipients often viewed through the lens of political alignment.

One reason the Medal of Freedom has lost its prestige is the growing frequency with which it is awarded. Early on, the medal was reserved for truly exceptional figures whose contributions were widely recognized and irrefutable. However, in recent decades, presidents have used it as a tool for shaping their political legacies or rewarding loyal allies. This frequent use has led to the perception that the medal is being diluted, awarded to individuals for political reasons rather than for their profound societal impact. The public’s understanding of the award is now sometimes colored by who is being honored and the current political climate rather than the merit of the recipients themselves.

For example, during the Obama administration, a series of political figures and entertainers received the Medal of Freedom, such as former President Bill Clinton, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and athletes like Michael Jordan. While their contributions were significant in their respective fields, the high number of recipients made the honor feel less special, and in some cases, appeared as though it was a gesture to reinforce the administration’s support for certain political or social movements.

Some also saw the 2016 awarding of the medal to activists like Ellen DeGeneres and arts figures like Bruce Springsteen as emblematic of a politicized selection process, one in which ideological affiliation seemed to weigh as heavily as merit. In contrast, during the administration of earlier presidents, the award was more often given to individuals whose achievements were universally celebrated, such as Muhammad Ali or Rosa Parks. These honorees represented values transcending political divisions, making their recognition a symbol of national pride and unity.

The Medal of Freedom has been subjected to increasing politicization, and its use has shifted from honoring universal achievements to rewarding individuals for their political and social affiliations. As the medal becomes more tied to political allegiances and the desires of sitting presidents to bolster their legacies or reward their allies, its gravitas wanes. When the medal is perceived as merely another form of political currency, it risks losing its status as a genuine and profound recognition of excellence and contribution to the American fabric.

C. Rich

CRich@AmericaSpeaksInk.com

C. Rich

C. Rich is the voice behind America Speaks Ink, home to the America First Movement. As an author, poet, freelance ghostwriter, and blogger, C. Rich brings a “baked-in” perspective shaped by growing up on the streets and beaches of South Florida in the 1970s-1980s and brings a quintessential Generation-X point of view.

Rich’s writing journey began in 2008 with coverage of the Casey Anthony trial and has since evolved into a wide-ranging exploration of politics, culture, and the issues that define our times. Follow C. Rich’s writing odyssey here at America Speaks Ink and on Amazon with a multi-book series on Donald Trump called “Trump Era: The MAGA Files” and many other books and subjects C. Rich is known to cover.

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