Desperate Trump Goons Suck Up to Him With Bogus Gold Award
The trophy-obsessed president has been awarded another meaningless prize.
President Donald Trump is the recipient of yet another meaningless award.
Appearing at the National Republican Congressional Committee fundraising dinner held at Washington D.C.’s Union Station on Wednesday night, Speaker Mike Johnson announced the inaugural “America First” award as a “token of appreciation” for the president’s leadership.
“Tonight we have created a new award,” Johnson told attendees at the lavish dinner. “We are going to do something we’ve never done before. We’re going to honor him with a new award that we will present annually from this point forward. He is the suitable and fitting recipient of the first-ever America First award. We can think of no better title for what that is.”

The America First Award, represented by an eagle statue, is displayed on the side of the stage ahead of its presentation to US President Donald Trump during the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual President's Dinner at Union Station in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2026.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Gesturing to his right, where the statue—one of a golden eagle in flight—was resting on a podium, Johnson continued, “That is this beautiful golden statue here, appropriate for the new golden era in America.”
The award was not handed to the president during the event, and was instead left on stage. When Trump walked out onto the stage, Johnson immediately drew the president’s attention to the statue. Trump, 79, raised his eyebrows, made an impressed face, and patted Johnson on the back. He could also be seen telling the speaker, “That’s nice.”
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
When contacted for comment by the Daily Beast, White House spokeswoman Allison Schuster said, “President Trump is honored to be the inaugural recipient of the America First Award. After his resounding reelection by the American people based on his America First agenda, the President is now actively fulfilling his campaign promises. From stopping illegal immigration, keeping men out of women’s sports, making the world safe again, and more, President Trump will never stop delivering wins for the American people.”
Trump did not mention the award during his speech, instead opening his remarks by focusing on the $37 million raised for Republican congressional candidates at the dinner.
“Wow, that’s a lot of money,” Trump began. “Congratulations. Well, we have a hot party. We have a very hot party and we have a group that likes to see our country in trouble and we’re going to do something about it,” he continued, taking a swipe at the Democratic Party before thanking attendees for the warm welcome.

President Trump could be seen gesturing at the prize on stage at the event while flanked by Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Richard Hudson, but did not mention it in his speech.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The award is the latest in a growing number the president has received. These have included the FIFA Peace Prize, created by the football federation specifically for the president ahead of this year’s World Cup and presented to him by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Kennedy Center in December.
“The annual prize recognizes an individual who has taken extraordinary action for peace, and in doing so, helped unite people across the globe,” a narrated video that was played at the ceremony explained.

U.S. President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
In addition to accepting manufactured awards, the president has sought to seize awards earned by others, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Mariá Corina Machado.
After months of the president’s failed attempts to convince the Norwegian Nobel Committee to give him the award directly, Machado presented her medallion to Trump during a visit to the White House in January.
In an interview with Fox News, Machado explained that she felt that Trump deserved her prize, adding, “It was a very emotional moment. I decided to present the Nobel Peace Prize medal on behalf of the people of Venezuela.”

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presents Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize.
The White House
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects the winners of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, responded to the bizarre move with multiple pointed reminders that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred.
“The medal and the diploma are the physical symbols confirming that an individual or organisation has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize,” the committee said in a statement released in January. “The prize itself – the honour and recognition – remains inseparably linked to the person or organisation designated as the laureate by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.”
Unlock a year of full access to The Looker and The Daily Beast for $35.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in
Login dialog


ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…
ADVERTISEMENT