First Lady Melania Trump presented legendary talk radio host Rush Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Tuesday’s State of the Union address. Limbaugh had revealed his advanced lung cancer diagnosis only one day earlier.
“Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness,” President Trump said on Tuesday night. “Here tonight is a special man, beloved by millions of Americans, who just received a stage 4, advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet, Rush Limbaugh. Thank you for your decades of devotion to our country.”
“And Rush, in recognition of all you have done for our nation, the millions of people today that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight he will be receiving our country’s highest — 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 present you with the honor.”
Visibly overcome with emotion, Limbaugh received the medal from the first lady, standing in the House gallery.
“Rush, congratulations,” the president added.
I'm in a studio alone right now but I just clapped for Rush Limbaugh, a GREAT American who taught so many millions to love the Constitution and our founding ideals.
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) February 5, 2020
