Trump Awards Himself Military Medals, Citing “Extraordinary Bravery” in Venezuela Operation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump on Saturday awarded himself several of the nation’s most recognizable military decorations, citing what he described as “extraordinary personal bravery” during the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The ceremony, according to officials familiar with the event, took place in the Oval Office and was closed to most members of the press, except for FOX News. The president began by presenting himself with the National Defense Service Medal, praising his own role in what he called “defending the country at levels nobody’s ever seen.”

“Others have defended it,” Trump said while fastening the medal to his lapel. “But I did it better. I defended it harder than anyone.”

He added that the effort required stamina many Americans simply lack. “A lot of people couldn’t do what I do,” he said. “They’d get tired.”

The president then awarded himself the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, explaining that he has “thought about terrorism more than most people” and has been “extremely tough on it.” He cited actions against Venezuela, China, and Russia, as well as the imposition of tariffs on U.S. allies, including Europe, which he said have “terrorized our economy for years by being very unfair on trade.”

One of the ceremony’s most solemn moments came when Trump presented himself with the Purple Heart, an award traditionally reserved for service members wounded in combat. The president acknowledged that he was not physically present during any military operations but said he had suffered significantly while overseeing events remotely.

“People don’t talk about this enough,” Trump said. “Heel spurs are brutal. Very unfair. Some people say worse than battle.”

He said he sustained the injury while monitoring military operations from a secure military command center at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “I was watching my troops—very brave troops, incredible troops,” he said. “I felt their pain. Especially in my heel. Bad pain.”

Trump added that he should have received the award earlier. “I was shot in the head during my campaign,” he said, referring to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on his life. “But Sleepy Joe wasn’t fair. Very unfair system.”

The event concluded with what Republican-aligned historians described as “a bold reinterpretation of military tradition,” as Trump awarded himself the Medal of Honor. He cited his decision to remain president throughout the operation as evidence of exceptional valor.

“I stayed president the entire time,” Trump said. “Didn’t quit once. Not for a second. A lot of people would’ve quit.”

Asked for comment, Department of War spokesperson Kingsley Wilson said the president was “more than deserving,” noting that “as Commander in Chief, he is technically part of the military.”

Other military experts declined to comment, citing Department of Defense policy and professional norms. One defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited “a strong desire to keep our jobs.”

White House staff confirmed the medals will be displayed near the president’s collection of signed portraits of himself.

Administration officials said additional honors are under consideration, including a Bronze Star for Outstanding Remote Leadership and a newly proposed decoration titled The Trump Excellence in Diplomacy Medal, which would be awarded to service members who demonstrate leadership by “aggressively negotiating the art of peace” while conflicts remain ongoing.

*Parody Article