First Lady Melania Trump accepted Fox Nation’s “Patriot of the Year” award Thursday night, delivering remarks that framed American innovation as a “reform of patriotism” and celebrating those who “dare to think differently.”
The award, designed to resemble the American flag, was presented during Fox Nation’s 7th annual Patriot Awards at the Tilles Center Concert Hall in Brookville, Long Island.
The event was hosted by Fox News anchor Sean Hannity.
The first lady opened by thanking the “American patriots” in attendance and viewers watching from home.
“Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” she said.
Calling innovators the “heartbeat of our civilization,” Trump urged Americans to “embrace the spirit of ambition” and celebrate those who challenge convention.
“Trust me, I know a little bit about challenging convention,” she said.
Honoring America’s Founders and Defining Innovation as Patriotism
The first lady tied her message to the nation’s origins, pointing to the country’s “rebellious founders who raged against British rule.”
“They all defied expectations politically and intellectually,” she said.
“Each shared a common trait.
“They reinvented how things work.”
She emphasized that American progress has always been driven by individuals willing to take bold risks.
“Personal achievement fuels collective progress,” she said.
“Daring to chase your dream is the American way.
“Innovation isn’t accidental here. It’s in our DNA.”
According to Trump, in the United States, “innovation is a form of patriotism.”
Hannity introduced Melania Trump as someone who “perfectly exemplifies that kind of quiet courage that makes this country so great” and is “reinventing the role of America’s first lady.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Melania Trump will go down in history as one of the most impactful people ever to grace the halls of that White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” he added.
First Lady’s Legislative and Humanitarian Initiatives
Since returning to the White House in January, Melania Trump has played a visible role in several policy and humanitarian efforts.
In May, she became the first first lady to co-sign federal legislation with a sitting president when she signed the Take It Down Act alongside President Trump.
The law criminalizes the distribution of AI-generated pornography depicting real people without their consent.
Her advocacy for the bill brought her to Capitol Hill earlier this year, where she encouraged lawmakers to address non-consensual intimate imagery, including so-called “revenge porn.”
With Trump’s backing, the bill passed the House 409–2 and cleared the Senate by unanimous consent.
She has also publicly highlighted the experiences of women held hostage by Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack.
At the International Women of Courage Awards in April, she honored Israeli attorney Amit Soussana, who survived 55 days in captivity.
Melania has additionally pushed for efforts to reunify Ukrainian children abducted during Russia’s war with their families.
She wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin addressing the issue.
The letter was delivered during the August 15 summit in Alaska between Trump and Putin.
She later said that since the letter’s delivery, she has maintained “an open channel of communication” with the Russian leader through “several back channel meetings and calls.”
President Donald Trump received the Patriot of the Year award at last year’s ceremony.
A Ceremony Honoring American Service and Patriotism
This year’s awards were crafted by Wisconsin father-son team Shane and Justis Henderson, marking their third year designing the program’s signature trophies.
Shane told Fox Nation that the pieces incorporated “historically significant artifacts,” including nails from a New York City church attended by George Washington, wood from one of his elm trees, and Revolutionary War musket balls.
The ceremony honored military veterans, first responders, and civilians recognized for service to their communities.
Among them was Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who received the first-ever Legacy Award named in her husband’s honor.
Country singer Jason Aldean performed during the event, and multiple Fox News personalities took part in presenting awards.
“It’s well deserved,” said Robert Misseri, president of Paws of War, who won a Patriot Award last year.
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