The Daily Populous Sunday January 5th, 2025 evening edition
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Loquaciouslovelizard on January 5th, 2025 at 11:01 UTC »

wufiavelli on January 5th, 2025 at 11:08 UTC »

Even after he tried to overthrow Rome and grab power?

SubcooledBoiling on January 5th, 2025 at 11:31 UTC »

“The Medal may be awarded by the President as provided in this order to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” source

Note (3). This is why the Medal is given to Denzel, Ralph Lauren, Anna Wintour, etc.

edit: Just to clarify, I’m not here to argue whether Denzel or others are worthy of the medal. The point of this comment is to highlight that it’s basically up to the president to give the medal to anyone he sees fit. Given how broad the criteria are basically anyone rich/famous can get one as long as the president is happy with it.