First Lady Melania Trump received the Patriot of the Year award at Fox Nation’s seventh annual ceremony Thursday night, November 6, 2025, but the honor sparked widespread criticism and mockery on social media from viewers who questioned her qualifications for the recognition.
Even Fox’s loyal viewers expressed unhappiness with the honor, taking to X to criticize what they called a ridiculous sentiment. One viewer posted that Melania receiving the award was like giving her a participation trophy. Another commented that the event represented another awards show dripping in fake patriotism, adding that real sacrifice doesn’t need a spotlight or a sponsor.
Critics flooded social media with questions about the first lady’s accomplishments. “I really would like to see her list of accomplishments that qualified her as ‘Patriot of the Year’. This is laughable! I am serious! What has she done?” one person wrote. Multiple users questioned what made her qualified for such recognition, with one asking what she had done to significantly improve the lives of American citizens, given her influence.
Another X user joked, “Giving Melania Patriot of the Year is like giving me Athlete of the Year for owning running shoes.” Others called the award made up and questioned whether Fox News created it specifically for the Trump family. One critic wrote that it seemed as though Fox had created this award just to give to Melania.
Many social media users pointed to the first lady’s low profile during her husband’s second term. One person noted she was the Patriot of the Year for being unseen the majority of the time, calling it an easy win. Another commented on her absence from the White House for most of the year. A critic remarked they couldn’t remember the last time they had even seen the first lady.
The ceremony took place at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, New York, and was hosted by Fox News personality Sean Hannity. Hannity described her as someone who perfectly exemplifies that kind of quiet courage that makes this country so great and praised the first lady for reinventing the role of America’s first lady.
During her acceptance speech, the first lady made a comment that earned an awkward response from the crowd. She told the audience she knows a little bit about challenging convention, drawing scattered laughter and nervous reactions from attendees. It remained unclear what exactly she was referring to with the remark.
The first lady focused her speech on American innovation and the nation’s founding principles. She applauded American dreamers and innovators who embrace originality, encouraging the audience to embrace the spirit of ambition and celebrate everyone who dares to think differently. She praised the rebellious founders who raged against British rule and emphasized that innovation represents a form of patriotism.
Social media critics also noted the timing of honoring an immigrant while the Trump administration faces criticism over immigration policies. One X user pointed out the irony of celebrating an immigrant while other legal immigrants face deportation without due process. Another wrote that only a Trump is permitted to win, calling it a farce along with the entire Trump family and presidency.
Melania Trump has been actively involved in international advocacy for children since returning to the White House. Her efforts include work to reunite Ukrainian children with their families after abductions during the war with Russia. In October, she said her talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin helped reunite eight Ukrainian children with their families. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the first lady for drawing attention to the issue during his visit to the White House.
She also supported the Take it Down Act, which outlaws the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery and aims to protect children and families from online exploitation and the spread of sexual deepfakes. She joined the President at the May signing of the bill as part of her broader efforts to protect children.
The first lady secured a $25 million investment in President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget to provide housing and support for youth transitioning out of foster care. In a White House statement, she said this is another essential measure that ensures the safety, welfare, and autonomy of those in the foster community.
The Patriot of the Year award was given to Donald Trump in 2024 at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards. Critics pointed out that the award seemed to favor the Trump family, questioning whether the honors were legitimate or merely designed to benefit one family.
The ceremony also featured other awards, including the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award, presented to Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Most Valuable Patriot Award was presented to Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard for their advocacy in fighting for fairness in women’s sports. The Young Patriot Award was presented to 13-year-old Devarjaye Daniel for his bravery in battling cancer.
