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Donald Trump Gives Controversial MLB Player United States’ Highest Civilian Honor: “Big Step Up From The Hall of Fame”

675 individuals have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from 1963 to 2026. Former baseball player Roger Clemens was announced as the latest recipient on Wednesday. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, was unhappy that the Baseball Writers…

By Srijanee Chakraborty · Essentially Sports

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 11:12 AM

Key Things to Know

Donald Trump announced that former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trump called the civilian award a big step up from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Clemens failed to reach the Hall of Fame voting threshold due to career performance-enhancing drug allegations.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Donald Trump announced at a Texas rally that former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump stated the nation's highest civilian honor is a "big step up from the Hall of Fame," expressing frustration that the Baseball Writers' Association of America has kept Clemens out. Clemens appeared on stage and said he was "stunned" by the honor.

Despite winning seven Cy Young Awards across 24 seasons, Clemens never received the 75% required vote for the Hall of Fame due to performance-enhancing drug allegations. Trump defended Clemens against the claims and pledged to discuss his candidacy with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

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