Social media erupted Saturday after news broke that President Biden plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire globalist George Soros.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the U.S., given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the nation, as well as global peace and other significant endeavors, according to a White House statement.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk led the backlash, calling the decision to honor Soros “a travesty.” Musk shared a video clip of his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where he stated, “I believe Soros fundamentally hates humanity. He’s doing things that erode the fabric of civilization. You know, getting DAs elected who refuse to prosecute crime.”

Elon Musk: “In my opinion, George Soros fundamentally hates humanity.”

George Soros is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/52HZnnzb9V

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) January 4, 2025

Commentators on social media echoed Musk’s sentiments. Blake Habyan tweeted, “What a joke — these people have done the exact opposite of what the award is intended for.” Natalie F. Danelishen expressed disbelief, suggesting the announcement seemed like satire, writing, “Seriously, two of the worst people on earth.”

🚨 BREAKING: Joe Biden to present George Soros, Hillary Clinton, and 17 others the “Presidential Medal of Freedom" today.

Joe Biden will award the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and others at a White House ceremony today.

The White House said… pic.twitter.com/PiVqfzFllx

— Blake (@_BlakeHabyan) January 4, 2025

The White House noted Clinton’s long career in public service, saying she made history as the first female senator from New York and the first First Lady to simultaneously hold elected office. Clinton also served as Secretary of State and became the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party, losing to Donald Trump in the 2016 election.

Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State, however, drew criticism for her handling of the war in Libya and the 2012 attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, which left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Additionally, her use of a private email server for government business raised concerns about mishandling classified information. While FBI Director James Comey publicly criticized her actions, he declined to recommend prosecution, and the Justice Department did not pursue charges.

Soros, a billionaire Democrat donor, has long been a polarizing figure. Through his Open Society Foundations, he has donated over $32 billion to initiatives supporting progressive, far-left causes.

The White House defended the choice, noting Soros’ contributions to supposedly strengthening global democracy and advancing leftist causes.

Clinton and Soros are among 17 individuals chosen to receive the award this year. Other recipients include actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, U2 frontman Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and soccer icon Lionel Messi. Robert Francis Kennedy, former U.S. Attorney General, will receive the honor posthumously.