Which U.S. award did Bill Gates receive from President Barack Obama in 2016?

Bill Gates received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States. Obama presented the 2016 awards at a White House ceremony on November 22, 2016. Bill Gates was honored alongside Melinda Gates, recognizing their technology leadership and extensive philanthropic work.

The Gateses’ philanthropy has focused heavily on global health, development, education, and poverty reduction. Their foundation has supported vaccination programs, disease research, and efforts to improve health systems in low-income countries.

The award is sometimes confused with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, which Gates received earlier, in 1992, with Microsoft. It is also distinct from the honorary British knighthood Gates received in 2005.