The Biden administration's decision to award billionaire investor and Democratic mega-donor George Soros the Medal of Freedom sparked outrage among conservatives and praise from his supporters. Here's a ranking of the key moments and reactions from both sides:
1. Steve Bannon's Fierce Opposition
- What He Said:
In light of this development, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon went off, saying the incoming Trump administration must rescind the medal. "Send a team to track down Soros and take the medal back," he insisted on his War Room podcast while labeling Soros "a demonic individual." He then followed that comment up with the rhetorical flourish of "Rip it right off his neck."
Why It Matters:
Bannon's comments expose a visceral hatred that some conservatives have for Soros, whom they portray as an embodiment of everything hostile to their belief system.
2. Fox News Commentary: 'A Medal for Destroying Freedom'
- Rachel Campos-Duffy's Statement:
The Fox News anchor criticized the decision, saying it was awarded to people who "destroyed freedom." - Joe Concha's Reaction:
Concha called Soros "the most evil man on the planet," capturing the outrage felt within conservative circles. - Impact:
Fox News perpetuated the conservative belief that Soros threatens American values.
3. Comparisons to Emperor Palpatine
- On Social Media:
A viral post on X framed giving the medal to Soros as no different than one being given to Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars. - This comparison crystallized the broad disdain of his detractors.
- Impact on Culture:
Te reference garnered attention and framed the controversy within an action-packed framing of pop culture.
4. Support from Stacey Abrams
- Her Reaction:
Voting rights activist Stacey Abrams took to X to congratulate Soros. - She praised his work for "voting rights, economic opportunity," and his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Importance:
Abrams' response was a complete opposite from the conservative backlash and emphasized Soros' power as a progressive champion.
5. Alex Soros Defends His Father's Legacy
- Alex Soros' Statement:
My father is an American patriot who has dedicated his life to the fight for freedom and human rights," he wrote on X, proud as the recognition of his father's work was finally realized. - Role in Ceremony: Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf during the White House ceremony.
- **Why It's Notable:
The younger Soros carries on with his father's philanthropic work, seeing that the family's influence endures.
6. The White House's Praise for Soros
- Ceremonial Introduction:
In the event, Soros was introduced as one whose "generosity reminds us all of our capacity and our obligation to stand up to the abuse of power." - Message of the Award:
The Biden administration cast Soros as a guardian of democracy and human rights.
7. Other Medal of Freedom Recipients
- Honorees Included:
Among the honorees were names such as Bono, Hillary Clinton, Earvin "Magic Johnson," and Michael J. Fox. - **Context:
This makes the medaling of such prominent figures only further emphasize what an important acknowledgment of transformative contribution to society this Medal of Freedom really is.
Conclusion
The decision to award the Medal of Freedom to George Soros has brought a firestorm of reactions: conservatives, who see this as a betrayal of American values, and progressives, who praise this as recognition of his lifelong commitment to democracy and human rights. While the debate goes on, the Medal of Freedom has today become a symbol of division and celebration in America.