When President Joe Biden presented former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire Democrat donor George Soros with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, it caused a stir. The medal, which is awarded to people who have made major contributions to American and international society, is the highest civilian honor in the country.

Clinton received accolades from the White House for her innovative public service, and Soros received recognition for his democratic and social justice-focused philanthropic work through the Open Society Foundations. Republicans, however, attacked the decisions, especially Soros, for supporting progressive district lawyers who they say are to blame for the increase in crime.

Former NYPD officials and Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana were among the Republicans who denounced Biden’s decision as a disgrace. They maintained that Clinton ought to have been prosecuted rather than honored and that Soros’ influence over criminal justice reform has caused chaos. Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, Anna Wintour, Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi, Jane Goodall, and Ralph Lauren were among the other honorees.