WASHINGTON (AP) — In a stirring ceremony at the 2026 World Cup draw, President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA peace prize. The prize highlights Trump’s supposed contributions to global peace, a significant accolade during the ongoing geopolitical events surrounding his administration.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a known ally of Trump, conferred the award, expressing that it recognized actions taken to ‘promote peace and unity around the world.’ Infantino stated, ‘This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people,’ as he presented Trump with a gold trophy inscribed with his name, celebrating these values.
‘This is truly one of the great honors of my life,’ Trump exclaimed, visibly pleased with the recognition. However, the award arrives amid broader scrutiny of his administration’s controversial policies, including a series of lethal strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats and a hardening stance on immigration.
Ironically, the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for this year was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated part of her recognition to Trump for his decisive support in her cause, bringing a curious intersection of recognition in contrasting political arenas.
As the world watches, how these dynamics unfold remains to be seen, particularly how these recognitions may influence perceptions of Trump's diplomatic initiatives and governance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a known ally of Trump, conferred the award, expressing that it recognized actions taken to ‘promote peace and unity around the world.’ Infantino stated, ‘This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people,’ as he presented Trump with a gold trophy inscribed with his name, celebrating these values.
‘This is truly one of the great honors of my life,’ Trump exclaimed, visibly pleased with the recognition. However, the award arrives amid broader scrutiny of his administration’s controversial policies, including a series of lethal strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats and a hardening stance on immigration.
Ironically, the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for this year was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated part of her recognition to Trump for his decisive support in her cause, bringing a curious intersection of recognition in contrasting political arenas.
As the world watches, how these dynamics unfold remains to be seen, particularly how these recognitions may influence perceptions of Trump's diplomatic initiatives and governance.
