Sat Dec 06 00:40:24 UTC 2025: Trump Receives Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize Amid Controversy

Washington, D.C. – In a move sparking both celebration and criticism, U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded FIFA’s newly created peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw held in Washington, D.C. on Friday. Trump, a vocal advocate for a Nobel Peace Prize, accepted the honor, calling it “one of the great honors of my life.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award, citing Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza and his broader promotion of peace and unity. Infantino lauded Trump, stating, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize.”

The ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center, featured a star-studded draw for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Leaders from all three countries, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, were present.

The announcement of the annual peace prize by FIFA in November stated it would recognize “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.” A video prior to the presentation celebrated Trump for resolving the war in Gaza and trying to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

However, the award has been met with controversy, with human rights organizations questioning the selection process and the justification for Trump’s recognition. Human Rights Watch has criticized FIFA for a lack of transparency surrounding the prize and raised concerns about its alignment with Trump’s policies, including his hardline immigration policies and military build-up.

Critics argue that Trump’s actions, such as the deployment of the National Guard in U.S. cities, the hardline migration crackdown, threatening to move World Cup games from cities where he has sent troops and freezing asylum decisions from 19 countries, and alleged disparaging remarks about immigrants, contradict the principles of peace and unity that the prize is intended to represent. His claim that he has “settled eight wars” this year has also been widely disputed.

Despite the criticism, Trump embraced the award, stating, “The world is a safer place now.” He also reiterated his focus on saving lives, claiming to have saved “millions and millions” during his time in office.

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