WASHINGTON — President Biden will award former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Friday afternoon along with three other failed White House candidates.
Bloomberg spent more than $1 billion on his own run for the 2020 Democratic nomination against Biden, ultimately carrying just American Samoa, and was a top donor in 2022 as congressional Democrats defied expectations of a Republican landslide.
“Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor. He revolutionized the financial information industry and transformed New York City’s education, environment, public health, and the arts,” the White House said in announcing the award.
He will be honored at the White House alongside fellow ex-presidential candidates Al Gore, John Kerry, and Elizabeth Dole, as well as 15 others.
Bloomberg made his fortune with financial technology and served as New York City mayor from 2002-2013, initially as a Republican and then as an independent.
Gore, a former vice president, was the 2000 Democratic presidential nominee.
Kerry was the party’s unsuccessful pick in 2004.
Dole sought the Republican nomination in 2020.
Presidents typically use the award to associate themselves with the recipients.
Gore is receiving the award, the White House said, in part because “[a]ter winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of our unity” — drawing a clear contrast with former President Donald Trump — and for his subsequent “bold action on climate change.”
Kerry’s citation notes his Vietnam War service and “his public service career that has spanned seven decades,” including as a senator from Massachusetts and most recently as Biden’s anti-global warming coordinator.
Dole was lauded for her foundation that supports military families and career as a “trailblazing” senator and Cabinet secretary.
The unusual gathering of former White House aspirants comes as the 81-year-old Biden’s own political future is imperiled with polling showing him trailing Trump, 77, despite the ex-president’s four criminal prosecutions, including the ongoing hush money trial in New York.
Other honorees include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), talk show host Phil Donahue, Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” actress Michelle Yeoh.