First lady Melania Trump took center stage Thursday night as she accepted the “Patriot of the Year” award at the seventh annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards in Brookville, New York.
The event honored everyday Americans who have shown extraordinary courage, service, and patriotism. Melania, now in her second term as first lady, was praised for her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for children around the world.
“I applaud American dreamers and innovators who embrace originality,” she said during her acceptance speech. “Let’s embrace the spirit of ambition. Let’s celebrate everyone who dares to think differently. For it is these courageous Americans who are the heartbeat of our civilization.”
Her husband, President Donald Trump, received an honorary Patriot Award last year following his 2024 election victory.
In recent months, Melania Trump has earned international attention for her diplomatic work, including her efforts to reunite eight Ukrainian children with their families. She credited ongoing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying her “peace letter,” hand-delivered to him in August, helped bring attention to the crisis.
The first lady has also championed the “TAKE IT DOWN Act,” which seeks to protect children and families from online exploitation and the spread of explicit AI-generated content. Earlier this year, she helped secure $25 million in the administration’s 2026 budget for programs supporting youth aging out of foster care.
“This is another essential measure that ensures the safety, welfare, and autonomy of those in the foster community,” she said at the time.
Thursday’s ceremony also debuted a new award in honor of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The “Charlie Kirk Legacy Award” will recognize individuals who embody his values of faith, family, and free speech.
Since launching in 2019, the Fox Nation Patriot Awards have become one of the network’s most anticipated annual traditions — a celebration of unity, service, and the enduring American spirit.