During a State of the Union that seemed to be more of a reality show than a solemn occasion, President Donald Trump pulled out all the stops. From the chants of “four more years” by the Republicans to the surprise reunion of solider with his family, Trump was playing for a viral moment during the State of the Union on Tuesday, Feburary 4.
The most reprehensible thing Trump did was to award the Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors to be bestowed on a civilian, to Right-wing radio talk show host, Rush Limbaugh.
While it unfortunately didn’t come as a surprise Trump awarded Limbaugh the Medal of Freedom, it is disheartening. Limbaugh’s history of spewing hate on daily AM radio talk is well documented.
Reactions on Limbaugh awarded Medal of Freedom:
"An especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Rush Limbaugh does not deserve the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At all. Not even close. Ridiculous.
— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) February 4, 2020
The Medal of Freedom has no meaning any more.
Rush Limbaugh joins the likes of Mother Teresa and Rosa Parks as recipient of highest civilian honor https://t.co/QBBpBitC9H
— Michelangelo Signorile (@MSignorile) February 5, 2020
Only one thing to say about Rush Limbaugh getting a Presidential Medal if Freedom at The State of the Union: I loathe this fucking man.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) February 5, 2020
Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the racist, sexist, homophobic Rush Limbaugh… but Pelosi ripped a piece of paper.
Full coverage: https://t.co/PGvxEAfbbu pic.twitter.com/cyIEijl0FR
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 7, 2020
The Medal of Freedom has been awarded to people of differing backgrounds. Some notable recipients are Rosa Parks, Ellen Degeneres, Oprah Winfrey, and Gloria Steinem. LGBT activist Harvey Milk was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009. With Limbaugh joining the ranks of these amazing people, many feel it cheapens the award. What are your thoughts on Limbaugh receiving the Medal of Freedom?