Conservative outrage erupted on Fox & Friends over the Biden administration’s latest round of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, with hosts and pundits sparing no words in their condemnation. The list included controversial figures like Hillary Clinton and billionaire George Soros, whose inclusion triggered particularly fiery reactions.
On Saturday morning’s broadcast, host Rachel Campos-Duffy warned her co-host, Joe Concha, to brace himself. “Joe, gird yourself,” she said. “Today, Biden is going to present—get this—Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and 17 others with the Presidential Medal of Freedom!”
Soros, long vilified by conservatives for his extensive funding of progressive causes, was labeled by Campos-Duffy as the “most evil man.” His financial support for political accountability and media projects has made him a prime target for far-right critics, with many accusing him of attempting to manipulate global politics.
The reaction was swift and vehement. Elon Musk called the selection a “travesty,” while Steve Bannon, a vocal opponent of Soros, described the award as a badge of honor for a man he believes epitomizes everything wrong with the current administration. “Soros and Hillary to get the nation’s highest civilian award from the illegitimate Biden regime today,” Bannon lamented.
The backlash continued to build as social media erupted with critiques, with users questioning why such divisive figures were being honored with the prestigious medal. For many conservatives, the decision underscored their view of a White House that favors the political left, offering the Medal of Freedom as a symbol of political loyalty rather than merit.
Despite the criticism, the White House defended its selections, emphasizing the significant contributions of the honorees to public service, human rights, and global democracy. However, for many on the right, including Fox & Friends hosts, the inclusion of Soros in particular was a bridge too far, prompting a fiery condemnation of what they see as Biden’s attempt to honor figures they view as divisive and controversial.
