Irish singer and U2 frontman Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Joe Biden. Recognised for his activism as much as his music, Bono becomes one of only a handful of Irish or British figures to receive America’s highest civilian honour.
The Medal of Freedom, established by John F. Kennedy in 1963, honours those who have made outstanding contributions to US national interests, world peace, or cultural and humanitarian efforts. While Kennedy would collate a list of nominees, he would never award the medal himself.
Biden’s awards have been noted for their balance, recognising civil rights activists and charity leaders. Previous British and Irish recipients include Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Stephen Hawking, and Mary Robinson – the last Irish recipient in 2009. Bono joins a list of celebrated musicians such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan.
Bono’s recognition stems from his activism, particularly through organisations like ONE and (RED). ONE focuses on fighting poverty and preventable diseases, recently addressing COVID-19 misinformation. (RED), meanwhile, raises funds for HIV/AIDS programmes through partnerships with major multinational companies like Apple and Nike.
The White House statement noted Bono’s ability to unite politicians, citing his role in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This programme, launched under George W. Bush and supported by then-Senator Biden, has saved millions of lives.
Walls really do tumble. But the cause of freedom is a call to action for each new generation, Bono writes. https://t.co/s2idn143rD — The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) January 4, 2025
In a piece published the morning of the ceremony, Bono said in The Atlantic: “Freedom is a word that turns up with embarrassing frequency in rock-and-roll songs, but if we’re honest, the freedom musicians are most interested in is our own. The reason I am climbing on this slippery soapbox called “freedom” today is that I’m being given a presidential medal by that name—an honour I’m receiving mainly for the work of others, among them my bandmates and our fellow activists.”
Bono’s connection to Joe Biden is stronger than some may expect. Their relationship began nearly 25 years ago during Bono’s debt relief campaign, when the senator impressed him with his Seamus Heaney quotes and passion for the cause. More recently, Bono attended Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address as a guest of First Lady Jill Biden, in recognition of his HIV/AIDS advocacy.
It’s a beautiful day to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom! Congratulations Bono! https://t.co/v7AoUqwC9Z
— U.S. Embassy Dublin (@USEmbassyDublin) January 4, 2025
While the US Embassy in Dublin celebrated Bono’s achievement with the post, “It’s a beautiful day to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom!”, reactions from fans in the US were more varied. Fans joked on Reddit: “The nation is finally forgiving him for putting an album on everyone’s phone in 2014.”
Bono’s accolades extend beyond his new medal. In 2007, he was made a Knight Commander of the British Empire – though, being Irish, he cannot use the title “Sir”. He has also received honours in France and Portugal, with recognition for his music and humanitarian efforts.
This latest recognition highlights Bono’s legacy in more than one field. While his music remains iconic, it is his activism that may define his impact in the years to come. As Bono himself said, “Freedom must be re-won by each generation.”
