Belichick Turns Down Trump’s Presidential Medal of Freedom

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

GoLocal Sports Team

Patriots coach Bill Belichick

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he will not accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.

“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients,” Belichick said in a statement.

“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award," he added.

Belichick has over the years spoken about their friendship. In 2018, Belichick was named to President Trump’s Council on Sport, Fitness, and Nutrition, according to The White House.

Trump & Belichick Relationship

While Trump was on the campaign trail, he bragged about the support that he was getting from Belichick, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

During a New Hampshire rally on the night before the 2016 election, Trump read an endorsement letter from Belichick.

About the Medal

Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the prestigious award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Past recipients have been movers and shakers in a range of fields, including public service, medicine, journalism, entertainment, and business. The impressive list of past honorees includes Steven Spielberg, Muhammad Ali, Angela Merkel, Nancy Reagan, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr.