Political analysts and observers bashed President Donald Trump on Monday after he accepted a "fake award" from a foreign leader at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago.
Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and other topics. During a press conference after the meeting, Netanyahu said he would award Trump the "Israel Prize," regarded as the country's highest cultural honor.
Trump said the award is "surprising and very much appreciated."
It was awarded at a time when Israel and Hamas appear to be grinding toward the second phase of their alleged peace plan. That phase calls for the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a peacekeeping force in Gaza.
Political analysts and observers shared their takes on social media.
"Not sure this one is a 'peace prize' but add it to the shelf of fake awards," attorney Jordan Klein posted on X.
"Our president gets treated like a toddler being potty-trained. Humiliating," political YouTuber Kyle Kulinski posted on X.
"Once again proving that world leaders and bad actors know how to play our deranged president like a fiddle," progressive advocacy account Call To Activism posted on X.
"For those who care to know: This prize is generally awarded to Israeli citizens only, and in exceptional cases it can be awarded to non-Israelis who have held Israeli residency for many years," military veteran Evaristus Odinikaeze posted on X. "Trump did not meet that criteria but let’s say they’re making an exception to pacify him."
"This is pathetic beyond belief," Victor Sojo, an academic who studies behavior, posted on Bluesky. "Trump’s narcissistic wound can’t be healed. It’s like a black hole threatening to swallow the universe if allowed; only commensurate with Netanyahu’s sociopathy."
"Chuck Schumer should give Trump the 'Saving Healthcare Prize,' and no one making <$200k a year would ever pay for another X-ray or teeth cleaning," journalist Bill Greuskin remarked on Bluesky.
Netanyahu announces that he's awarding the Israel Prize to President Trump. Trump says it's "surprising and very much appreciated" pic.twitter.com/yrQ81y0dQ4
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 29, 2025