Trump announces Medal of Freedom for ex‑pitcher Roger Clemens at Texas rally

The announcement came as Trump toured Texas to boost GOP candidates ahead of the midterms.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:42:07 GMT

President Donald Trump told supporters at a San Antonio, Texas rally on Wednesday night that former baseball pitcher Roger Clemens will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying the Baseball Hall of Fame had "cheated" him.

What happened

The rally was held at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. Clemens, who introduced Trump to the stage, was informed that the nation’s highest civilian honor would be bestowed on him. Trump listed Clemens’ career statistics and then declared, “Forget about the Hall of Fame, we’re giving him the Medal of Freedom.”

What the reports add

The Independent noted that Clemens was a two‑time World Series champion with the New York Yankees and a seven‑time Cy Young Award winner.
The New York Post highlighted that Clemens is an 11‑time All‑Star, won the 1986 American League MVP, and twice captured the pitching Triple Crown (1997, 1998).
Both outlets reported that Clemens ranks ninth all‑time with 354 career wins.
Both sources mentioned the Hall of Fame controversy: Clemens has never been elected, receiving only 61.6% of the vote needed for the 75% threshold, and his candidacy has been clouded by allegations of steroid use, including 82 mentions in the Mitchell Report.
The Independent added background that Clemens has been a vocal Trump supporter for several years and that he has denied the steroid allegations.
The New York Post listed other athletes who have received the Medal of Freedom, noting that Clemens would join a group that includes Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, and Jackie Robinson.

What was said

“It’s a ridiculous thing that you’re not in the Hall of Fame with that kind of a record.” – Donald Trump, Independent

“Forget about the Hall of Fame, we’re giving him the Medal of Freedom.” – Donald Trump, rally

“Maybe the greatest pitcher of all time.” – Donald Trump, New York Post

“Well, I’m stunned, number one… This supersedes anything that, obviously, I’ve done in my playing career, and to get it from this man, this president, there wouldn’t be another president I’d want to get it from.” – Roger Clemens, both outlets

How it came about

The announcement fits into Trump’s recent campaign‑trail tour aimed at energising Republican voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Earlier this week he highlighted a Jos. A. Bank suit at a Nebraska rally (Felo coverage), and on Oct. 3 he linked Iran to drug factories at an Oklahoma rally. The Clemens honor adds a high‑profile sports endorsement to his itinerary.

Key facts

Donald Trump announced at a San Antonio rally that Roger Clemens will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (independent.co.uk)
Clemens was introduced to the stage and told he was “stunned” by the honor. (nypost.com)
Trump said the Baseball Hall of Fame had “cheated” Clemens and called him possibly the greatest pitcher of all time. (nypost.com)