First lady Melania Trump presented Rush Limbaugh with the Medal of Freedom during President Trump’s State of the Union speech.
The president invited the conservative radio host to his annual address to both chambers of Congress one day after Limbaugh disclosed he’d been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
Toward the middle of his address in the House chamber Tuesday evening, the president recognized Limbaugh and revealed that his wife would present him with the Medal of Freedom. Trump called Limbaugh a “special man beloved by millions of Americans.”
A standing ovation followed from the people around Limbaugh in the guest balcony as the first lady presented him with the highest civilian honor.
The award is presented to “individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” according to the White House.
Limbaugh, 69, revealed his cancer diagnosis on his Monday show and said he would likely miss time on the program while he undergoes treatment. Trump wished Limbaugh, who has been a staunch defender of the president during the impeachment proceedings, a “speedy recovery” and called him a “great guy and fantastic political talent.”
