Rubenstein among 19 recipients of presidential medal of freedom

Orioles owner David Rubenstein is in the stands during game 2 of the wild-card series against the Royals held at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Kenneth K. Lam/Staff

Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein is one of 19 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients named by outgoing President Joe Biden.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented Saturday, is the nation’s highest civilian honor, given to individuals involved in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science, who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” according to the White House.

Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, a private equity, asset management and financial services firm, received the award alongside Spanish-American chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen — a nonprofit organization that provides meals to people in crisis — and Bono, the lead singer for band U2 and an activist for social justice.

“Congratulations to [Andrés] and Rubenstein, two pillars of our community, for being honored by POTUS today with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Ted Leonsis, founder of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Monumental Sports Network, wrote on X. “José and David’s contributions to our city, country and world are truly immeasurable. I am fortunate to be able to count both of them as dear friends. Congratulations José, David and all of today’s honorees.”

Rubenstein, a Baltimore City College graduate, has been lauded for his philanthropy and support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions, including the Washington Monument, Monticello, Montpelier, Mount Vernon, Arlington House, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, the National Zoo, the Library of Congress and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Orioles did not have an official statement on Rubenstein’s award. Chris Ullman, a spokesman for Rubenstein, could not be reached for comment.

In 2010, Rubenstein donated $10 million to the White House Historical Association to upgrade the Decatur House on Lafayette Square and to launch the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History, an education and research institute at the White House Historical Association.

In 2014, Rubenstein gave $5 million to the White House Historical Association to support the White House Visitor Center, which is operated in a public-private partnership between the National Park Service and the Association.

“Congratulations to the [Library of Congress] James Madison Council Chair David M. Rubenstein on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House today,” Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, wrote on X. “He truly is the embodiment of patriotic philanthropy.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington were among the honorees at the White House ceremony.

The Associated Press contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at [e-mail] or on X as @ToddKarpovich.