Trump Says He’s Always Wanted The Nation’s Highest Military Award

On Feb 26, 2026

President Donald Trump joked that he’s always wanted to receive the U.S.’s highest military award, shortly after awarding the honor to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. (Watch video below.)

First lady Melania Trump presented retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor in the final stretch of Trump’s speech.

“This brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves,” Trump said. “He was a legend long before this evening.”

The moment drew a prolonged round of applause from those present, including Democrats such as Sens. Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.).

But Trump didn’t waste time stepping into the war hero’s special moment as soon as Williams took his seat to talk about himself.

“I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I’m not allowed to give it to myself, and I wouldn’t know why I’d be taking it, but if they ever open up that law, I will be there with you someday,” Trump said.

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Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who was wounded in the raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in January, was also presented with the same award.

“That’s our highest honor, Congressional Medal of Honor, and that’s a big thing, and it’s an honor to be in the same room with you. Thank you both very much,” Trump said, referring to the two recipients.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. — U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.

While Trump continued referring to it as the Congressional Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award is called the Medal of Honor even though it is presented “in the name of Congress of the United States,” The New York Times pointed out. The outlet also noted that Trump’s decision to award the honor during a political speech is highly unusual, as most presidents since the Vietnam War have awarded recipients at the White House.