FLOSSI & THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

Since its establishment in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, approximately 650 individuals and organizations have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Presidents Ranked by Number of Honorees

Barack Obama (2009–2017)

123 Medals

Notable Recipients: Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Biden, Maya Angelou.

Known for honoring many achievers in arts, sports, science, and public service.

Bill Clinton (1993–2001)

113 Medals

Notable Recipients: Rosa Parks, John F. Kennedy (posthumously), Nelson Mandela, Aretha Franklin.

Focused on civil rights, global leadership, and cultural icons.

George W. Bush (2001–2009)

85 Medals

Notable Recipients: Pope John Paul II, Muhammad Ali, Sandra Day O’Connor, Tony Blair.

Emphasized military leaders, religious figures, and international allies.

Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)

36 Medals

Notable Recipients: Mother Teresa, Frank Sinatra, James Stewart, Elie Wiesel.

Often honored individuals from the arts and humanitarian causes.

Donald Trump (2017–2021)

24 Medals

Notable Recipients: Rush Limbaugh, Jim Jordan, Tiger Woods.

Focused on athletes, conservative figures, and military members.

John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)

16 Medals (Posthumously Awarded in 1963)

Notable Recipients: Helen Keller, Robert Frost, John Steinbeck.

Established the modern version of the Medal of Freedom.

Richard Nixon (1969–1974)

15 Medals

Notable Recipients: Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, Walt Disney.

Focused on cultural and entertainment figures.

Gerald Ford (1974–1977)

11 Medals

Notable Recipients: Walt Disney (posthumously), Joe DiMaggio, Betty Ford.

Emphasized cultural icons and personal connections.

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)

6 Medals

Notable Recipients: Ansel Adams, Alexander Calder.

Focused on contributions to the arts and environment.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)

5 Medals

Notable Recipients: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Norman Rockwell.

Honored leaders and artists significant to his presidency.