The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) applauds the White House for posthumously awarding Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. When President Reagan appointed Justice Scalia in 1986, he was the first Italian American judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court in the United States’ history and served until his passing in 2016. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor for a civilian.

NIAF Board Chairperson Gabriel A. Battista said, “As an Italian American, Justice Scalia’s appointment was an inspiration to me and over the years his clear and constitutionally driven decisions have been a great inspiration to all Americans.” NIAF Board Chairperson Hon. Patricia de Stacy Harrison said, “We as Italian Americans took great pride three decades ago when Justice Scalia was named to America’s highest court. President Trump’s recognition today is a great tribute to the Justice’s career and a cause for celebration for all who cherish their Italian heritage.”