First Lady Melania Trump was honored with the “Patriot of the Year” award at Fox Nation’s seventh annual Patriot Awards on Thursday.

The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Sean Hannity, celebrated Americans who embody courage, service, and love for the country. Accepting her award, Melania urged Americans to “dare to think differently,” describing innovation as “a form of patriotism.”

Applauding the nation’s founding spirit, she said, “Our rebellious founders believed that personal achievement fuels collective progress. Daring to chase your dream is the American way.”

Recognized for global advocacy and diplomacy

Melania Trump was honored for her international advocacy work, particularly her efforts to aid children affected by the war in Ukraine.

In her remarks, she revealed that her diplomatic outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin helped initiate a “peace letter” delivered during an August summit in Alaska, leading to the reunification of eight abducted Ukrainian children with their families.

Introducing your 'Patriot of the Year': First Lady @MELANIATRUMP.

See her honored at the Patriot Awards — Thursday 8p ET, only on Fox Nation. pic.twitter.com/WaL9gzvt5t
— Fox Nation (@foxnation) November 4, 2025

Ukraine’s First Lady later sent Melania a note — delivered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his White House visit — expressing gratitude for her involvement.

Legislative leadership and social impact

The First Lady was also recognized for co-signing the bipartisan “TAKE IT DOWN Act” into law in May 2025. The legislation criminalizes the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and AI-generated explicit content, a growing online threat.

In addition, Melania secured a $25 million federal investment to support housing and services for youth transitioning out of foster care, calling it “an essential measure that ensures safety, welfare, and autonomy.”

The Fox Nation Patriot Awards, launched in 2019, celebrate “unsung heroes and ordinary people achieving extraordinary goals.” Other categories this year included Young Patriot, Heroism, T2T Stephen Siller Award, and Salute to Service.

A new award was also introduced to honor the late Charlie Kirk, recognizing individuals who champion values such as faith, family, and free speech.

Host Sean Hannity praised Mrs. Trump for her “quiet courage” and for “reinventing the role of America’s First Lady.”

Interestingly, former President Donald Trump received the same “Patriot of the Year” award the previous year following his 2024 election victory.