House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a newly created "America First" award — a golden eagle statue he said will be presented annually — to Donald Trump at an NRCC fundraiser. The presentation prompted immediate criticism from Democrats and commentators who called it a patronizing "participation trophy" at a time of global and domestic strain. Critics pointed to escalating tensions with Iran, U.S. measures affecting Cuba that have been linked to shortages, and a partial government shutdown that has left TSA agents unpaid and airports strained.
Mike Johnson Presents Trump With New 'America First' Award Amid Global And Domestic Crises
Mike Johnson on Wednesday granted Donald Trump the ‘America First’ award, presented as a golden eagle statue.Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
House Speaker Mike Johnson presented former President Donald Trump with a newly created "America First" award on Wednesday evening, unveiling a golden eagle statue at a National Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser and saying the honor will be given annually.
"The president has done so much for the American people and we want to honor him, in some small way, some token of our appreciation for his leadership," Johnson said. "So, tonight, we have created a new award." Johnson described the golden eagle as fitting for what he called a "new golden era" in America.
Immediate Backlash From Democrats And Commentators
The presentation drew swift criticism and ridicule from Democrats, former White House officials and commentators who said it was tone-deaf to celebrate amid multiple crises. Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary and host on MSNBC/News, dismissed the gesture as a patronizing "participation trophy":
"Little Mike Johnson and all those Republicans have just created yet another participation trophy to give their very special boy in the White House to make sure he feels good about himself."
Other critics said the award was out of touch while the federal government wrestles with urgent challenges. Representative Kathy Castor of Florida called the award "out of touch," noting that Transportation Security Administration agents were working without pay because of a partial government shutdown. Representative Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island called the presentation "so embarrassing for everyone involved," and Representative Nanette D. Barragán of California urged Johnson to focus on governing rather than "kissing a$$."
Context And Timing
Observers highlighted the timing of the award: it came as tensions with Iran have escalated and as U.S. and Israeli military actions continue in the region. At the same time, tighter U.S. measures affecting oil shipments to Cuba have been linked to shortages of food, fuel and medicines on the island, and reports indicate ongoing negotiations between the governments.
Domestically, the partial government shutdown — driven by disputes over spending and immigration policy — has left many federal workers, including TSA agents, unpaid and contributed to long airport lines and staffing strains as enforcement officials are reassigned.
Other Recent Honors Cited
The "America First" award follows several other bespoke honors and public dedications to Trump in recent months, according to reports. These include an "Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal" award presented by mining executives at the White House, a so-called FIFA peace prize described as recognizing his promotion of "peace and unity," and a public dedication of a Nobel Peace Prize by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Whether the new trophy becomes an annual tradition, as Johnson said, remains to be seen — but the ceremony has already become another flashpoint in the partisan debate over tone and priorities in Washington.
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