Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, recently used his social media platform to highlight the legacy of Patrick J. Buchanan and advocate for him to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

On September 9, 2025, Schmitt posted that "Long before it was fashionable or politically expedient, Buchanan was a prophetic voice on the defining issues of our time: Immigration, trade, foreign policy, sovereignty, and the 'cultural war' he famously described in his 1992 speech at the Republican National Convention."

In another post from the same day, Schmitt referenced an earlier initiative by Representative Riley Moore and detailed his own support for honoring Buchanan: "Last month, @RepRileyMoore sent a letter to President Trump asking him to honor Patrick J. Buchanan with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Yesterday, I wrote to the President myself to formally express my full support for this endeavor."

Schmitt also commented on Buchanan's political career and public perception in a third tweet: "He never held political office, and his three presidential campaigns were viciously ridiculed, smeared and attacked by both party establishments. He tried to warn us about the dire consequences of the beltway consensus—and was dismissed. Today, we know his warnings were true."

Patrick J. Buchanan is known as a conservative commentator and former presidential candidate who influenced American politics through his advocacy on issues such as immigration and trade. Although he did not win elected office during his three runs for president in 1992, 1996, and 2000—campaigns often marked by controversy—Buchanan remained active as a writer and television commentator.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. It is awarded by the President to individuals who have made significant contributions to national interests or culture.