President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump presented the Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian awards, to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh during the State of the Union address.
Limbaugh announced Monday on his radio show, “The Rush Limbaugh Show” — a radio show that he has hosted for 31 years — that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and has started treatment for it.
“Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness,” Trump said at the State of the Union address, adding, “Here tonight is a special man, someone beloved by millions of Americans who just received a Stage 4 advanced cancer diagnosis.”
“Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our Nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Trump continued, “I will now ask the First Lady of the United States to please stand and present you with the honor.”
Watch the video below:
Limbaugh being presented with the award stirred up mixed reactions, including a lot of disapproval on Twitter for the president’s decision to do so.
Trump announces Rush Limbaugh is receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to society. Melania presents him with it as members shout "Thank you, Rush!" Rush is overcome with emotion.
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) February 5, 2020
Rush Limbaugh called a Georgetown student a "slut" and a "prostitute" because she advocated for the insurance coverage of birth control. Trump just gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) February 5, 2020
It just perfectly encapsulates the Trump administration’s massive and absolute incompetence when Rush Limbaugh and a 100-year-old Tuskegee Airman are in the same room and Rush Limbaugh is the one going home with a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
— A. Sharon (@ASharon004) February 5, 2020
I wish a full recovery for Rush Limbaugh but the idea he deserves a medal of freedom is offensive. He's built a radio empire on spreading hate, spewing disinformation and dividing Americans. It cheapens the Medal for every person who earned the distinction. Typical Trump
— Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) February 4, 2020
In a statement issued after Pres. Trump delivered his State of the Union address, Joe Biden criticized the president's decision to award Rush Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. https://t.co/i9NqFsACLE #SOTU pic.twitter.com/xTVbkxmuW5
— ABC News (@ABC) February 5, 2020
Other moments of the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening that caused a lot of reactions on social media include the moment Trump appeared to snub a handshake by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the House Speaker ripping up Trump’s speech at the end of the address.
Additionally, the president touched on the topics of the U.S. stock market, as well as health care and military members.