President-elect Donald Trump accepted the “Patriot of the Year” award Thursday at a Long Island event hosted by Fox Nation.
Trump, 78, accepted the award in the shape of an American flag after a live performance of Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the USA,” which is the incoming president's entrance song.
In his acceptance speech, President Trump reflected on his campaign in the White House and claimed the country was already seeing the fruits of his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It's been a great election,” Trump said after accepting the award at the Tills Performing Arts Center in Brookville, New York.
“It was a tremendous day, a tremendous night, a tremendous period of time,” the president-elect added, noting that he spent “72 days” without a single day off leading up to Election Day. .
“I think more has happened in the last two weeks than I've seen in the last four years, and we're not even there yet,” he continued, adding, “We're making America great again.” I intend to.”
FOX Nation's 6th Annual Patriot Awards Ceremony recognized several inspirational figures, including veterans, first responders and Stephanie Diller, widow of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller .
About 2,000 elegantly dressed people filled the venue, many sporting American flags and “Make America Great Again” gear.
The ceremony was hosted by Fox News host Sean Hannity, who said this year's winners were “a diverse group of people” and “deserve recognition.”
“I love this award, unlike, say, the Oscars or the Grammys or the Tonys, because it celebrates the men and women, the hidden heroes and true patriots, who truly make this country great every day. It never gets appreciated,” Hannity told FOX News Digital.
“And I think that's what makes it special. And there are so many great patriots in this country who deserve recognition. It's an honor to be a part of that,” he added. .
The program presented awards for service to veterans, bravery, gallantry and several other categories.
About a dozen Fox News personalities appeared and served as presenters at the ceremony, including Jesse Watters, Laura Ingraham and Judge Jeanine Pirro.
Mr. Trump has made few public appearances since his Election Day victory, choosing to hole up at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, as he begins his new administration.
But this week, the president-elect also announced he would travel to Paris on Saturday to attend a memorial service for fallen Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies and celebrate the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. During his first term there was a fire.
President Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this week that he was “so looking forward to” traveling to New York to receive Patriot of the Year honors, calling it “so awesome.”
