Donald Trump’s love/hate relationship with Fox News Media was all love on Thursday night. The president-elect received the inaugural Patriot of the Year award during Fox Nation’s sixth annual Patriot Awards ceremony, held in Brookville, NY.
Chants of “USA!” echoed inside the Tilles Center for Performing Arts as Trump walked onto the stage and was presented with the award by Sean Hannity, who also served as the emcee of the evening.
In accepting the award, Trump directly acknowledged his friendship with Hannity, calling him “a friend of the country.” He also heaped praise on Fox News, saying: “You have incredible people at Fox. You have incredible people at every level of Fox.”
The president-elect also referenced the hate side of his relationship with the news network, noting there were a couple of hosts that “I don’t like.” He then jokingly inquired of the crowd whether he should name them.
An encore presentation of the Patriot Awards—which honors military veterans, first responders, and other inspirational everyday heroes—on Dec. 8 at 10 p.m. ET on Fox News. In addition to Trump, honorees included the late NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, Indiana teenager Cameron Blasek, actor and televangelist Kirk Cameron, and retired general Dick Cody.
TRUMP: “You’ve seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years, and we’re not even there yet” as he accepts Fox Patriot of the Year award pic.twitter.com/gaGApTlgZk
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) December 6, 2024
As his inauguration approaches, Trump’s relationship with Fox News looks to become even more entrenched. 12 former Fox personalities have been nominated for positions in his next administration.
One of those personalities, Pete Hegseth, is currently facing a complicated confirmation process. Trump’s defense secretary nominee is at the center of several controversies involving allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual assault, and issues with alcohol. At least one senator, Joni Ernst of Iowa, has indicated that she’s not currently supporting Hegseth.
Trump stood by his nominee in a social media post on Friday, calling him a “winner.” Hegseth acknowledged the support on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Thank you, Mr. President. Like you, we will never back down.”
Thank you Mr. President. Like you, we will never back down. pic.twitter.com/cTNKUfaf83
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 6, 2024