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yesterday

House GOP Unveils New ‘America First Award’ for Trump at NRCC Dinner

The made-for-Trump honor drew swift ridicule, highlighting questions about GOP priorities.

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. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: U.S. President Donald Trump attends the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station on March 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump was this year's keynote speaker at the dinner. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), and U.S. President Donald Trump react during the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 25, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Overview

  • House Republicans presented President Donald Trump with the first America First Award at the NRCC’s Washington fundraiser on Wednesday, handing him a golden eagle statue that Speaker Mike Johnson said will be awarded each year.
  • Johnson cast the trophy as a token of thanks and called it fitting for a “golden era,” while also touting NRCC fundraising he pegged at $18.5 million for the first quarter.
  • Democratic lawmakers and TV hosts mocked the presentation as fawning and infantilizing, with posts from Reps. Seth Magaziner, Kathy Castor, and Nanette Barragán and on-air barbs from Jen Psaki and the Morning Joe panel.
  • Critics flagged rough optics as Republicans confront voter worry over high gas prices, airport delays, and the U.S. war with Iran, following a Democratic flip of a Florida seat that covers Trump’s Mar-a-Lago district.
  • The new award fits a recent trend of bespoke accolades for Trump, including FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December 2025 and the Nobel medal handed to him by laureate María Corina Machado, which the Nobel committee says does not transfer the prize.