Ana Navarro Calls Trump’s Inaugural 'FIFA Peace Prize' a 'Toy Phone' Gimmick

Ana Navarro Ridicules Trump’s New ‘FIFA Peace Prize’

Overview: CNN commentator Ana Navarro mocked the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" presented to President Donald Trump, describing the honor as a tailor-made, toy-like gesture intended to flatter the president. The award was handed out at the Kennedy Center during events tied to next year’s FIFA World Cup draw in the United States.

For the first presentation of the prize, Trump received a gold trophy and a medal to wear. FIFA said the award recognizes "exceptional actions for peace and unity," but did not disclose how the recipient was selected. The ceremony drew attention amid the president’s public comments about possibly relocating World Cup matches scheduled in Democratic-run cities, which he framed as matters of "safety."

Navarro seized on the optics and the political context in a segment on AC360, criticizing both the award and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s decision to present it to Trump.

"I find it a little comical," Navarro said. "In a week where we've talked about possible war crimes, where we have seen Donald Trump pardon an actual drug kingpin — former president of Honduras — who flooded the United States with 400 tons of cocaine, I would say that the FIFA World Cup president, Gianni Infantino, sucking up to him is really low on my rung of outrageous."

She then likened the medal to a child’s toy phone and dismissed the ceremony as staged flattery.

"Little kids love to play with their parents' phone," Navarro continued. "So Fisher-Price makes this phone, which has all these badges kids can press. It's a fake phone. And so Gianni Infantino said, 'Ok, how can I possibly flatter Donald Trump? Let me give him a fabricated peace medal, make it gold at the Kennedy Center, and let's have the Village People play.' I'm telling you, this guy needs to go in the hall of fame of ass-kissing, because this was masterful."

Context: Navarro’s remarks reflect broader media and political scrutiny over the decision to honor Trump with a newly created prize and the optics of awarding it during a high-profile cultural event. Critics have also questioned the lack of transparency about the award’s selection process and pointed to recent controversies involving the president, including a contentious pardon that some opponents say raises ethical and legal concerns.

Reaction and Implications: The episode underscores how sporting and cultural events can become entangled with political signaling. Whether viewed as a ceremonial gesture or an undue flattery, the prize has provoked debate about prestige, legitimacy and the responsibilities of international organizations in politically charged moments.