Melania Trump, Erika Kirk headline star-studded Patriot Awards ceremony

After a tumultuous year in politics, Fox News honored ordinary Americans and the American spirit at the seventh annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards hosted by Sean Hannity.

The seventh annual Patriot Awards rocked the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in New York on Thursday night. You can find the full list of this year’s honorees here, with First Lady Melania Trump and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk and superstar country singer Jason Aldean highlighting the festivities with special appearances.

‘CITIZEN OF THE YEAR’ – MELANIA TRUMP

Melania Trump’s honor comes after her husband, President Donald Trump, received the award at last year’s show. Over the past 12 months, the First Lady has been involved in many domestic and global issues, most notably advocacy for children harmed by the war in Ukraine.

In August, she wrote a “peace letter” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to protect children and “nurturing hope for the next generation.”

“Mr. Putin, you alone can bring back their melodious laughter,” the letter read. “By protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than just serve Russia; you will serve humanity.”

MELANIA TRUMP’S ‘PEACE LETTER’ TO PUTIN WAS SALUTED BY USHA VANCE, WHO CALLED HER A ‘PIONEER’

In March, he participated in a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill about the Take It Down Act, a bill aimed at reducing the spread of non-consensual intimate images online. With bipartisan support, the law was signed into law on May 19.

Melania Trump also spoke at the International Women of Courage awards ceremony in April to highlight the achievements of women around the world, including Israeli lawyer Amit Soussana, who survived 55 days in Hamas captivity after the October 7 attacks.

Mrs. Trump was honored for her determination and leadership in her role in the White House. Melania is often seen comforting children in hospitals, visiting soldiers and speaking to survivors of disasters. The First Lady talked about the importance of innovation and the American dream, with words of encouragement to those who want to reach for the stars.

MELANIA TRUMP WAS SELECTED FOX NATION’S ‘PATRIOTIC OF THE YEAR’ FOR HER GLOBAL CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY WORK

“When someone creates a song, a movement, an idea with conviction, it ripples outward and unites our people,” he said. “Daring to pursue your dreams is the American way. Innovation here is not accidental, it’s in our DNA.”

U.S. President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk as he presents the medal to his wife Erika Kirk (left) during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on October 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

‘CHARLIE KIRK HERITAGE AWARD’ – ERIKA KIRK

Kirk became the first winner of the new award, which was added to the Patriot Awards following the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk in September 2025 and named in honor of his late wife. Country music icon Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany offered the privilege, performing “Try This in a Small Town” and “How Far a Farewell Goes.”

“I watched (Charlie) pour everything he had into helping students raise the bravest generation and inspiring so many people to stand firm in the faith and love this country,” Erika said while accepting the award.

He encouraged Americans to think about their heritage and the positive impact they can have on the world for future generations.

“I know this award is about legacy,” he said. “This is about my legacy, our children’s legacy, my husband’s legacy, but it’s also about your legacy. I want you to take a moment tonight to really think about what this is. What are you leaving behind for your children? What do you represent to your family? Will you be proud of that when you go to heaven and stand before God? Just think about that and pray about that.”

“I want to encourage you to know and understand something that Charlie knew and understood so deeply,” he continued. “He knew that when good people remained silent, evil would win, and that’s why I will make sure I will not remain silent for the rest of my life. I will continue to speak the truth, no matter the cost…and I pray that all of you will do the same for Charlie.”

ERIKA KIRK ACCEPTED THE CHARLIE KIRK HERITAGE AWARD, HONORING HIS HUSBAND, SAID THAT SHE WILL NEVER ‘STAY SILENT’

‘MOST VALUABLE PATRIOT AWARD’— ALEXA ANDERSON AND REESE ECKARD

Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard received the “Most Valuable Patriot Award” for their fight for protection and justice in women’s sports.

The duo filed a lawsuit against the Oregon School Athletic Association (OSAA) after they refused to stand on the podium with a transgender competitor during the state championship meet.

“To all the girls fighting for justice right now, know that if you do nothing, nothing will happen,” Reese Eckard said. “We need to fight to protect the future of women’s sports and to be strong and brave, knowing that God will always be with us.”

Alexa Anderson expressed her gratitude to those who encouraged the duo to grow as athletes and supported them in defending their faith.

‘T2T STEPHEN SILLER AWARD’ — JOHN ‘JR’ GAUDET

John “JR” Gaudet, a firefighter who died in the line of duty, was remembered for his courage, kindness and generosity.

Gaudet’s widow, Felly, accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, remembering how much he loved everyone and how much he served others.

“In this journey of grief when you lose your loved one, my biggest fear is that people will forget about him, that people will forget his smile, his stories, his sacrifice, but tonight you all remind me that he is not forgotten, that you remember him not only as a hero of his community, but also for us, for his family,” she said. “To everyone at home and here: thank you for keeping his memory alive, thank you for being my village and my children’s.”

People stand as the national anthem is played at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards at the Tilles Center in Greenvale, New York, on December 5, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))

Stephanie Diller, widow of slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, presented the award on Jonathan’s behalf last year. Jonathan was shot and killed in Queens in March 2024, sparking nationwide outrage after he was allegedly killed by a man with more than 20 previous arrests.

“Looking at Stephen, who lost his father and is here supporting us, gives me hope that my son will be okay,” she said. “And although we have experienced this tragedy, we will not live a tragic life. And we will live a life that supports Jonathan’s legacy and his spirit.”

‘HEALTH AWARD FOR SERVICE’ — BİNBİR JAMES CAPERS, JR.

Major James Capers Jr., who bravely and heroically served the country as a Marine, accepted the “Salute to Service Award.” According to a previous report, Capers had rescued seven of the sailors during the Vietnam war when his reconnaissance group was ambushed and outnumbered.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Capers said. “We all lost many good sailors during that bloody war, and I am one of them; one of three living sailors in my crew. I am here to honor them, their families, and what you mean to this country. This is serious. The world is looking at us. Sometimes they question our motives, but they will never question our effort. We will fight any power in the world. We did it.

Paula Pedene and Dr. They received last year’s award after Sam Foote uncovered allegations that Veterans Matter was not properly serving veterans. “It’s a good fight for all the whistleblowers out there,” Pedene said in his acceptance speech. “It’s hard, but it’s a good thing. We need the truth, we need accountability.”

The stage at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida is lit up in red, white and blue for the 2022 Patriot Awards. (Fox News Digital)

‘HONOR AWARD’ — EDAN ALEXANDER
Edan Alexander was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 massacre and detained for more than 500 days. He now fights against the terrorists who once captured him.

While his parents Yael and Adi Alexander accepted the award on his behalf, Edan expressed his gratitude with a video message.

“Serving Israel and standing with America remains the greatest privilege of my life,” Alexander said. “First of all, I want to thank President Trump for your leadership and for standing with Israel among the hostages. Your support makes this moment possible, and I am deeply grateful. I wanted to thank you on behalf of my family for never giving up on me. I also carry your sacrifice with me every day to the soldiers still fighting and the families of the martyrs. Thank you and God bless you all.”

This award is named in honor of Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall, who was seriously injured during an attack in Ukraine in March 2022. Later that November, he received the Courage Award at the Patriot Awards for his courageous reporting.

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‘YOUNG PATRIOT AWARD’ — DEVARJAYE ‘DJ’ DANIEL

Thirteen-year-old patriot “DJ” Daniel, who bravely battled cancer, accepted Fox Nation’s “Young Patriot Award.” President Donald Trump months ago named the boy an honorary Secret Service agent after expressing his deep desire to serve the country.

“I woke up on a cloud that day, my 11th brain surgery,” Daniel said. “God told me that I was one of his angels and that I was doing God’s work. And he said, ‘I’ll give you your wings, but I’ll take these back because you can’t get them until you finish the school of life.’

Daniel’s father shared that his son was first inspired to become a police officer after eating pizza with three officers while they were displaced during Hurricane Harvey.

“They helped us, so I want to start helping more people,” Daniel said during the Patriot Awards presentation.

Three officers surprised Daniel during his acceptance speech. Daniel continues to inspire millions with his courage.

Past winners of this award, which shows patriotism in America, are Olympic gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock and former NBA player Enes Kantor Freedom.

Indiana resident Cameron Blasek took home the award for holding his ground at last year’s show following allegations that he tried to prevent local school administrators from displaying American flags in early 2024.

‘FAITH AWARD’ — SKYLER DERRINGTON

Skyler Derrington was presented with Fox Nation’s first “Faith Award.” Derrington was at Camp Mystic when floodwaters tragically struck, claiming the lives of campers and staff.

He miraculously survived and sang his own rendition of “Hallelujah,” remembering God’s faithfulness through tragedy. He shared this song at the Patriot Awards.

‘HEOISM AWARD’ – LARRY PICKETT, JR.

West Point Cadet Larry Pickett, Jr. demonstrated selfless heroism when he saw a man trapped inside a crashed car. He sprang into action alongside his father and saved the man, David Denton, before the car burst into flames.

“At West Point we were taught what it truly means to live with courage and honor…and that night was just a moment to live out what so many around me exemplify every day,” Pickett said. “So I accept this not only for myself, but for my entire family and everyone at West Point.”

Denton surprised Pickett at the Patriot Awards and said God “sent an angel” to save his life.

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