Barack Obama awarded Bill Gates the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor. President Barack Obama presented the 2016 awards at a White House ceremony on November 22, 2016. Gates received the medal jointly with Melinda Gates, recognizing their philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The citation reflected efforts in global health, development, education, and other public-interest areas. Gates had already moved away from day-to-day leadership at Microsoft and was devoting substantial time to philanthropy and global policy issues.
The award is sometimes confused with honors Gates received from other countries, including an honorary British knighthood in 2005. Those distinctions have different names and issuing authorities. The Presidential Medal of Freedom specifically came from the United States and was presented during Obama’s presidency.