President-elect Donald Trump made bold claims at the Fox Nation's annual Patriot Awards, stating that he has already achieved more in the weeks leading up to his inauguration than President Joe Biden did during his entire term. Trump, who has been finalizing his administration's staff from Mar-a-Lago, was honored at the event held at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Long Island.
During his acceptance speech, Trump highlighted his recent interactions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding border security issues. He also mentioned his threat of imposing a 25% tariff on imported goods from these countries to address illegal border crossings and drug trafficking.
The ceremony recognized various patriots, including military veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes. Notable honorees included actor Kirk Cameron, Gen. Dick Cody, and the late NYPD officer Jonathan Diller. Trump's support for law enforcement was acknowledged, with Diller's widow expressing gratitude for his backing.
Additionally, Paws of War, an organization providing service dogs to veterans and assisting soldiers in bringing animals from war zones to the U.S., was also honored. The event featured emotional moments alongside political commentary typical of Fox hosts like Sean Hannity, who celebrated Trump's election victory and engaged the audience in dancing to Trump's rally song, 'YMCA'.
Trump's award signifies Fox's renewed support for him after a period of strained relations following a defamation lawsuit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. Despite past disagreements, Fox and its personalities have reembraced Trump, with the president-elect acknowledging the network's support while humorously mentioning a few exceptions.
As Trump transitions into office, he has begun to make public appearances, attending events such as a memorial service for fallen deputies in Palm Beach and an upcoming ceremony in Paris to commemorate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. His active engagement signals a shift from his earlier low-profile approach during the transition period.
