Overview
- House Speaker Mike Johnson presented a golden eagle statue to President Trump at the NRCC’s Washington dinner on Wednesday, introducing the first “America First Award” from the House GOP campaign arm.
- Johnson said the honor would be annual and called the statue fitting for a “new golden era,” then highlighted an NRCC first‑quarter fundraising total of $18.5 million.
- Media figures including Jen Psaki and the Morning Joe hosts mocked the presentation as a “participation trophy” that treats Trump like a child.
- Democratic lawmakers such as Reps. Kathy Castor and Nanette Barragán denounced the optics of handing Trump a gold statue while a partial government shutdown has left TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard workers without pay.
- The new prize fits a broader pattern of bespoke tributes to Trump, following FIFA’s new Peace Prize and María Corina Machado handing him her Nobel medal, which analysts say are designed to produce flattering images for donors and reinforce loyalty.