Today President Obama will award Ellen DeGeneres and a host of others the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian in the U.S. can receive.
President Barack Obama is presenting 21 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday. Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, actor Tom Hanks, NBA legend Michael Jordan, MLB announcer Vin Scully and more are set to gather at the White House to receive America's highest civilian honor.
In a news release, Obama said the activists, athletes and artists “helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.” He added that the medal is “a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better.”
President Obama made the announcement last week.
Also being honored today are Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Elouise Cobell, Robert De Niro, Richard Garwin, Bill and Melinda Gates, Frank Gehry, Margaret H. Hamilton, Tom Hanks, Grace Hopper, Maya Lin, Lorne Michaels, Newt Minow, Eduardo Padrón, Robert Redford, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, and Cicely Tyson.
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Ellen had a bit of a problem getting into the event, however as she forgot her ID.
They haven't let me in to the White House yet because I forgot my ID. #NotJoking#PresidentialMedalOfFreedom pic.twitter.com/sHocwqChKV
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) November 22, 2016
Though they finally let her in.
I'm in. pic.twitter.com/oU344pnYsH
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) November 22, 2016
Ted Cruz had this snarky response.
I thought Obama didn't believe in photo ID? https://t.co/iodmZjsjLz
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 22, 2016
Watch live, below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz8613fehHw