House Speaker Johnson presents Trump with inaugural 'America First' award

House Speaker Mike Johnson presented President Trump with the first-ever "America First" award during the National Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser on Wednesday evening.

Johnson introduced the award, a golden eagle statue, as a token of appreciation for Trump's leadership. "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 statue as appropriate for what he called "the new golden era in America." The award will be given annually, according to Johnson.

The presentation drew swift criticism and ridicule from Democrats, lawmakers, and commentators. Late-night host Seth Meyers mocked the award on Thursday, comparing it to other honors Trump has received. "Oh, my God, that's so great," Meyers said. "He can hold it with all his other fake awards, the FIFA Peace Prize and a crown from Burger King."

Meyers continued his criticism during his monologue: "How many fake trophies that were made specifically for him is this guy going to get? First the FIFA Peace Prize, now the America First award — and he's neither America first nor pro-peace. He's getting a participation trophy for something he didn't even participate in."

The award was presented amid ongoing international and domestic challenges, including military operations in Iran, pressure on Cuba, immigration enforcement operations throughout the country, and a partial government shutdown.