Trump to Award Patriots’ Belichick Presidential Medal of Freedom

Trump to Award Patriots’ Belichick Presidential Medal of Freedom

United States President Donald Trump is expected to give New England Patriots head coach — and close friend — Bell Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom this week. 

“The president’s efforts to pursue a normal schedule of events amid the tumult he inspired began last week, when, in the aftermath of the riots, he awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to professional golfers Annika Sorenstam and Gary Player,” reported Politico. “This week’s events will have a similarly somber backdrop. Democrats could vote as early as Tuesday on articles of impeachment for inciting the violent mob that ransacked the Capitol."

According to Politico, a spokesperson for the Patriots did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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“We'll discuss if Belichick deserves the award in a moment (spoiler alert: he doesn't) and if he should accept it (spoiler alert: he shouldn't), but just the fact it's being awarded at this moment in time is a staggering thing,” wrote Mike Freeman for USA Today. 

About the Medal

Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the prestigious award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Past recipients have been movers and shakers in a range of fields, including public service, medicine, journalism, entertainment, and business. The impressive list of past honorees includes Steven Spielberg, Muhammad Ali, Angela Merkel, Nancy Reagan, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr.