The White House has defended President Donald Trump’s receipt of FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize amid mounting international criticism from soccer officials and human rights organizations.
FIFA presented Trump with the inaugural honor during December’s World Cup draw ceremony, citing his efforts in “promoting peace and unity around the world.” The decision sparked immediate backlash from human rights advocates and soccer organizations leading up to the World Cup.
This week, Australian soccer star Jackson Irvine criticized the award, stating it undermines FIFA’s Human Rights Policy. Meanwhile, Norway’s soccer federation has called for FIFA to eliminate the prize altogether.
In response to the criticism, White House officials pointed to Trump’s “Peace through Strength foreign policy” approach, claiming it successfully concluded eight conflicts within a year.
“There is no one else in the world more deserving of FIFA’s first ever Peace Prize than President Trump. Anyone who thinks otherwise clearly suffers from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” stated White House spokesman Davis Ingle.
The controversy comes as the United States prepares to co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico from June 11 through July 19. However, military actions have continued since the award ceremony, including a strike on Venezuela one month after the tournament draw and coordinated airstrikes with Israel targeting Iran beginning February 28.
President Trump has repeatedly highlighted his role in resolving global disputes and has publicly suggested he deserves recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize on multiple occasions.
