Tesla chief executive Elon Musk reacted harshly to US President Joe Biden’s decision to grant the Presidential Medal of Freedom to billionaire philanthropist George Soros. Among 19 winners that were announced on January 4, a range of figures has been recognized for outstanding work in politics, philanthropy, sport, and the arts. Soros, the founder of the Open Society Foundations, was recognized for his dedication to international causes that have supported democracy, human rights, education, and social justice, according to the White House.
The other noted honorees this year include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and highly acclaimed actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington.
The inclusion of Soros will fire up a very polarized debate, not least because he has been a major donor to Democratic causes for many years and is regularly attacked by Republicans. Critics of the award-who include Musk and several senior GOP figures-have claimed it is politically motivated.
President Biden hit back, saying the recipients “embody the very best of American values” and are a “positive force for the reputation of the United States around the world.”. “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world. They defend the values of America, even when under attack,” Biden said while announcing the names.
The Republican Party has accused Soros of using his fortune to influence global politics. His influence created controversy beyond U.S. borders, especially in India, where the Winter Session of Parliament witnessed ruckus in December. BJP chief JP Nadda accused the Congress party of being linked with Soros and his organizations, labeling it a “tool” for foreign forces that are trying to destabilize India. He pointed to the alleged links between Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and initiatives funded by Soros.
Strongly rebutting the allegations, terming them as baseless, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge called this an attempt of the BJP to divert attention from pressing socio-economic issues confronting the country. This sharp exchange caused several adjournments in both houses of Parliament.
The influence of Soros, and the controversies surrounding him, go well beyond the United States, with his Open Society Foundations facing staunch opposition in countries such as Hungary and Russia, which often frame his initiatives as foreign interference.
