Rush Limbaugh, shortly after learning he was to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, rose and put his hands to his face. President Donald Trump made the announcement during his State of the Union speech Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Seconds later, first lady Melania Trump, right, put the medal around Limbaugh’s neck.
Conservative talk show legend Rush Limbaugh was surprised with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union speech.
Limbaugh, 69, who has announced he has advanced lung cancer, was sitting next to first lady Melania Trump in the U.S. House of Representatives chamber when the president mentioned him by name Tuesday, February 4.
“Here tonight is a special man, beloved by millions of Americans, who just received a Stage IV 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 tireless devotion to our country,” Trump said, as members of Congress stood and applauded.
“And Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said.
Limbaugh looked shocked. He rose to his feet and put both hands to his face.
Nor did Trump waste any time.
“I will now ask the first lady of the United States to present you with the honor. Please,” Trump said.
Melania Trump put the Medal of Freedom around Limbaugh’s neck, to more applause.
Rush Limbaugh, shortly after learning he was to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, rose and put his hands to his face. President Donald Trump made the announcement during his State of the Union speech Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Seconds later, first lady Melania Trump, right, put the medal around Limbaugh’s neck. 
