President Obama is still enacting his presidential obligations as he presents the Medals of Freedom to twenty one civilians that have impacted lives and America overall. Even as Obama's term comes to an end and the anticipation for President-elect Donald Trump grows, his Presidential responsibilities still remain.
The announcement of having one last ceremony took many by surprise, as he already had presented at least 94 medals during his presidency. Saying “least” is not uncommon as the medals are hard to determine when joint medals are presented. Now after presenting at least 114 medals Obama's reasoning is clear.
“It’s useful, when you think about this incredible collection of people, to realize this is what makes us the greatest nation on earth,” said Obama as a subtle joke towards the popular slogan “Make America Great Again”. News outlets such as The New York Times breakdowns the allegations Obama repeatedly makes against Trump.
Many of the recipients of the Medal of Freedom are politically active and have made public announcements of their dislike for Trump and support of the Democratic Party. Having one more class of honorees is a “slap in the face” says CNN News to the elected party. While the majority of the articles released by CNN were more informative while concerning the Medal of Freedom some left wing bias was evident.
Obama was accused of having such a last minute celebration as a backlash against President -elect Trump. The honorees included Ellen DeGeneres, for coming out as gay in an unaccepting community. Mr. Abdul-Jabbar for speaking against Muslim injustice. And several others involved in advocacy on LGBT problems and climate change. All supporting ideals that Mr. Trump is avidly against.
Robert Redford, Bill and Melinda Gates, Tom Hanks, Diana Ross, and Michael Jordan are just a few of the other important invitees. The President's last Medal of Freedoms ceremony was one for the books for his guests and one of his last political slaps to the Republican Party.
Image Courtesy of USA Today