US President-elect Donald Trump made a rare public appearance at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards on Thursday night, where he received the “Patriot of the Year” award. He ventured outside his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, where he has been primarily stationed whilst assembling his administration.
At the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Long Island, New York, Trump addressed the audience, stating, “You have incredible people at Fox.” He celebrated his election victory, describing it as “a tremendous day, a tremendous night.”
Sean Hannity, a close associate of Trump, hosted the event after Pete Hegseth, the original host, was nominated by Trump for defence secretary. Trump expressed his anticipation for the award on Truth Social, describing it as “so nice!”
The annual ceremony, according to Fox, aims to recognise outstanding patriots, including military veterans, first responders and everyday heroes. Notable honourees included Kirk Cameron, General Dick Cody, who provided hurricane relief efforts, and fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller’s widow, Stephanie, who thanked Trump for his family’s support.
The event featured Paws of War, an organisation connecting veterans with service dogs and facilitating animal adoptions from war zones. A touching moment occurred when a service member reunited with a dog from his deployment.
Hannity’s presentation included political commentary, impressions of Tim Walz and President Joe Biden, and wearing an orange safety vest referencing Trump’s campaign. The show addressed Hegseth’s defence secretary nomination, which faces challenges due to allegations he denies, AP News reported.
The award symbolises Fox’s renewed relationship with Trump following earlier tensions. The network paid $787 million to settle a Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit in 2023 regarding false election claims. After a period of limited Trump coverage, Fox has recommenced regular coverage of the president-elect.
Trump has recently increased his public appearances, including attending a memorial service for Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies. He plans to visit Paris for Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening ceremony this weekend.
