US House Speaker Mike Johnson has presented Donald Trump with a newly created ‘America First’ award, sparking widespread criticism and ridicule. The award, a golden eagle statue, was given during a National Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser on Wednesday evening.
Johnson said the award was a token of appreciation for Trump’s leadership, calling it ‘appropriate for the new golden era in America’. However, critics have slammed the move as tone-deaf, given the ongoing war in Iran, a partial government shutdown, and heightened immigration enforcement operations.
Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki mocked the award, calling it a ‘participation trophy’ for Trump. Other lawmakers, including Representatives Kathy Castor, Seth Magaziner, and Nanette Barragán, also criticised Johnson, with Barragán urging him to ‘stop kissing a$$’ and focus on his job.
The award follows a series of similar fabricated honours given to Trump, including the ‘Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal’ award and the FIFA peace prize. The presentation comes amid a partial government shutdown that has left TSA agents unpaid, causing long queues at airports.
