THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL of Freedom is the highest civilian honour the United States can award to its citizens.
In his final choice of recipients before he leaves office, US President Barack Obama has chosen some incredibly famous names.
It could also be argued that the outgoing president has made a somewhat political point this year by choosing a number of people who were vocal opponents of Donald Trump.
Recipients of the medal will receive it from President Obama at the White House next Tuesday.
The award will be given to:
Basketball stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and veteran sports broadcaster Vin Scully.
Entertainers include Ellen DeGeneres, Diana Ross and Bruce Springsteen.
Other honorees are Bill and Melinda Gates, Richard Garwin, Frank Gehry, Maya Lin, Lorne Michaels, Newt Minow, Margaret H. Hamilton and Eduardo Padrón.
Many of Obama’s choices have been longtime liberal advocates but some are perhaps particularly notable.
Robert De Niro
De Niro is without question one of the finest actors of the 20th century and is a seven-time Academy Award nominee and two-time Oscar winner. He also described Trump as a”fool” and “bozo” during the presidential campaign.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leading scorer in the National Basketball Association. He’s also a Muslim who spoke at the Democratic National Convention and has been a vocal critic of Trump.
Last year, Trump suggested that there weren’t any US Muslim sporting heroes. Many people pointed to both Muhammad Ali and Abdul-Jabbar among many.
Ellen DeGeneres
DeGeneres is an award-winning comedian who hosts one of the most popular daytime talk shows in the US.
In its statement today, the White House pointed out that she is also an LGBT advocate who, after coming out herself, made TV history when her character on Ellen revealed she was a lesbian.
Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen, known as The Boss throughout the world, is one of America’s most revered singer-songwriters who has often given a voice to the country’s veterans and blue-collar workers.
A well-known Democrat, Springsteen recently called Trump a “flagrant, toxic narcissist”.
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