Donald Trump Accepts Fox Nation Award as Pete Hegseth Nomination Faces Headwinds

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

Hegseth is also receiving support from his former Fox News colleagues. His morning co-host, Will Cain, shared a social media post that included “on-the-record statements” from people who have worked with him.

10 “anonymous sources” for @NBCNews.

Here’s your on the record statements from people who worked with @PeteHegseth. I know there’s MANY more of you. Drop it here. 👇@dbongino @NBSaphierMD @Johnny_Joey @kylenabecker pic.twitter.com/OkvTY4J5iu

— Will Cain (@willcain) December 4, 2024

Meanwhile, the co-hosts of Fox & Friends co-hosts delivered their own defense of Hegseth on Wednesday’s edition of the morning show. “Physically, Pete is cut out of stone,” Brian Kilmeade said. “The guy eats healthier, acts healthier, works harder, and literally works on his ranch. He has a lifestyle that reflects his discipline.”

Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, also stopped by Fox & Friends on Wednesday to publicly defend her son after previously writing an e-mail in 2018 that referred to him as an “abuser of women.”

“I don’t believe any of that is true,” she emphasized during her appearance. Hegseth is still meeting with Republican senators in Washington, D.C. to garner support for his nomination.