Recently, both President Biden and President-elect Trump have highlighted individuals they regard as exemplary Americans, advocating for those worthy of honor and admiration.
Biden shared his selections during two ceremonies at the White House, presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal to one group and the Presidential Medal of Freedom to another. Meanwhile, Trump proposed his nominees for Cabinet positions, with stark contrasts evident between the two selections.
When choosing recipients for these prestigious presidential accolades, Biden focused on leaders across various sectors, including politics, philanthropy, entertainment, civil rights, the environment, and the arts.
Prominent political figures among Biden’s honorees include Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), recognized for their roles on the January 6 Special Committee.
Additionally, former first lady Hillary Clinton was honored for her service as first lady, senator, and secretary of State, while posthumous medals were awarded to Democratic senator and Attorney General Bobby Kennedy and Republican Michigan Governor George Romney.
From the entertainment sector, Biden acknowledged actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, along with U2’s Bono and the iconic George Stevens Jr., who established the American Film Institute and created the Kennedy Center Honors program. Representing sports, basketball legend Magic Johnson and soccer star Lionel Messi were also honored.
Biden’s honorees include philanthropist David Rubenstein, who has contributed millions to the restoration of Washington landmarks, renowned chef José Andrés, who provides meals to disaster victims through World Central Kitchen, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumously recognized for her efforts in the Voting Rights Act), and esteemed primatologist Jane Goodall, whose research has advanced our understanding of human evolution.
It’s evident that the individuals selected by Joe Biden, regardless of political affiliation, are remarkable contributors to society. Agree or disagree with their views, it’s hard to overlook the substantial impact each has made on the nation. They embody the ideals that Americans aspire to and represent the finest qualities of the country.
In sharp contrast, Trump’s Cabinet nominees reflect a disheartening collection of individuals. His nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for attorney general was short-lived, as he withdrew despite scandal, further tarnished by a House Ethics Committee report detailing allegations of him paying for se*x or drugs with multiple women, including a 17-year-old.
Continuing with Trump’s selections, Pete Hegseth is proposed for Defense secretary; he was ousted from leadership positions in two veterans’ organizations due to serious allegations of alcohol abuse and faced accusations of se*xual assault in 2017.
Other nominees include Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, for Education secretary—she is also named in a se*xual abuse lawsuit—Kash Patel, a vocal critic of the FBI, for its directorship, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary, and Tulsi Gabbard, lacking intelligence experience, as director of national intelligence. It is difficult to claim they represent the best America has to offer.
Both Biden and Trump engaged in their respective roles of awarding medals and making Cabinet appointments. However, they simultaneously conveyed a message about their values and the qualities they prioritize. Who do we admire as Americans? Who serves as a role model for future generations? Biden’s choices resonate positively with that criteria, whereas Trump’s do not.
