First Lady Melania Trump has been named “Patriot of the Year” by Fox Nation, an award given to individuals recognized for their commitment to American values.
During her remarks at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards, Mrs. Trump encouraged Americans to support ambition and innovation. She stated, “Let’s celebrate everyone who dares to think differently, for it is these courageous Americans who are the heartbeat of our civilization.”
Reflecting on her creative process, she said, “Most innovators know—it’s lonely when you are close to the edge of imagination—when you have a deep belief in your own power to create new realities. This is exactly where real change begins.”
Addressing skepticism toward new ideas, Mrs. Trump noted, “Every breakthrough starts with one person daring to imagine what’s never been done. Her friends call it unrealistic, her family declares its ‘far-fetched’—but the human spirit moves forward anyway, turning vision into reality. One mind, one idea, one act of courage.”
She concluded her speech with a call to action: “Make a personal pledge to celebrate ambition and scale imagination to create a more advanced and prosperous society.”
Since returning as First Lady during President Donald Trump's second term, Mrs. Trump has taken on several initiatives both domestically and internationally. These include championing the TAKE IT DOWN Act through Congress and into law; securing $25 million in federal funding for housing support for youth formerly in foster care; launching America’s Presidential AI Challenge; visiting disaster-affected communities in North Carolina, California, and Texas; celebrating the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary in Norfolk, Virginia; hosting the first White House AI Education Task Force Roundtable; establishing Fostering the Future Together at the United Nations General Assembly—a global coalition promoting education and technology for children—and reuniting eight children with their families displaced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mrs. Trump has also expanded her philanthropic initiative Fostering the Future and released both an artificial intelligence audiobook titled "Melania" and a feature film produced with Amazon MGM called "Melania." According to Mrs. Trump, her film provides insight into her transition from private citizen to First Lady over twenty days prior to inauguration while fostering collaboration across creative industries.
For more information on Mrs. Trump's recent activities as First Lady and details of her full remarks at the event, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/11/first-lady-melania-trump-named-patriot-of-the-year/.