Biden Honors 18 in Final Act of Presidency

In his last days as president, Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 18 notable individuals. This honor, one of the highest in the nation, went to people from the political, financial, and celebrity worlds. Biden, who has been in politics for over 50 years, chose this moment to celebrate members of the establishment that incoming President Donald Trump has criticized as the "swamp. "Trump, who takes office on January 20, has promised to fight against these establishment figures, accusing them of benefiting from government while the public bears the cost. Biden's decision to honor these individuals seems like a clear message of support for the democratic system that Trump's re-election has challenged. The ceremony, held in the East Room of the White House, ended with Biden's inspirational words, "We have to keep the faith" — a sentiment he attributed to his mother.