Pool Reports of January 4, 2025

Pool Report 1/Gather

The pool and precredentialed press have gathered for the Medal of Freedom event.

Pool Report 2/Event underway

Please turn on CSPAN or pull up the White House video feed for full quotes.

President Biden began speaking at 1:23.

Pool Report 3/Event notes

Event attendees include former President Bill Clinton and first son Hunter Biden, neither of whom answered your pooler's questions as they arrived.

One of the honorees, Lionel Messi, does not appear to be present. He is not on stage, but we aren't yet sure why that is.

Pool Report 4/Event ends

After brief introductory remarks, President Biden awarded the Medal of Freedom to honorees, concluding at 1:54.

Hillary Clinton was the only recipient to get a standing ovation.

Actor Michael J Fox, who has Parkinsons, appeared to gently insist on standing on his own to accept his award after being escorted toward Biden.

Your pooler was told that Lionel Messi wasn't present due to a scheduling issue.

And the White House shared the following about the event:

The President is delivering remarks at a Medal of Freedom ceremony.

Recipients:

Jos Andrs
Bono
Stephanie Carter, Wife of Ash Carter (awarded posthumously)
Hillary Clinton
Michael J. Fox
Tim Gill
Jane Goodall
Magic Johnson
Kathleen Kennedy, Daughter of Robert F. Kennedy (awarded posthumously)
Ralph Lauren
Bill Nye
Doris Hamer Richardson, Niece of Fannie Lou Hamer (awarded posthumously)
Mitt Romney, Son of George Romney (awarded posthumously)
David Rubenstein
Alex Soros, Son of George Soros
George Stevens, Jr.
Denzel Washington
Anna Wintour

Pool Report 5/Lid

We have a travel/photo lid!