Trump Awards Roger Clemens Presidential Medal of Freedom, Bypassing Hall of Fame Snub
President Donald Trump announced on October 7 that he will award baseball pitcher Roger Clemens the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The surprise announcement was made at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas, where Clemens had introduced the President. Trump called Clemens 'maybe the greatest pitcher of all time' and stated the award supersedes the Baseball Hall of Fame, which has repeatedly rejected Clemens due to steroid allegations. Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young winner, expressed shock and gratitude, noting the honor was given in his home state. This marks the second time Trump has used the medal to rehabilitate a baseball figure previously excluded from the Hall of Fame, following his advocacy for Pete Rose.