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Trump Receives 'Champions of Peace' Award in Rome Amid Scrutiny

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. mpions-of-peace-award-in-rome-amid-scrutiny.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 2:39 GMT by People
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Rome, Italy - February 15th, 2026 - Former U.S. President Donald Trump received a "Champions of Peace" award in Rome on Saturday, an event that has drawn both praise and scrutiny. The ceremony, held at the Ambassador Hotel, recognized Trump's purported efforts in fostering peace and diplomacy, though specific details regarding the basis of the award remain somewhat opaque. Following the presentation, the former president engaged in a brief but notable interaction with Miami Marlins third baseman Jorge Solarte Machado, gifting him a collection of baseball-themed items.

The award itself is presented annually by an organization that identifies itself as dedicated to recognizing global leaders who have demonstrably contributed to peaceful resolutions and international cooperation. Details about the organization's vetting process and selection criteria are not widely publicized, leading to questions about the award's legitimacy and perceived political motivations. Critics have pointed to the timing of the award, several months before the expected surge in political campaigning for the 2028 presidential election, and speculate about its purpose as a vehicle for bolstering Trump's public image.

Trump's acceptance speech, according to attendees, focused heavily on his achievements during his presidency - specifically citing the Abraham Accords as a key example of his diplomatic success. He reiterated his commitment to "America First" principles, arguing they are essential for global stability. He did not address the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe or the South China Sea, focusing instead on what he presented as successes under his administration. The speech was largely met with applause from the attendees, which comprised a mix of international dignitaries, business leaders, and Trump supporters.

However, the post-ceremony interaction with Solarte Machado has arguably generated more online buzz. Photos shared by Solarte on Instagram depict the athlete shaking hands with Trump and receiving a branded gift bag. The contents of the bag, as seen in the images, included a baseball cap emblazoned with "Trump" and a baseball with the former president's name. Solarte's caption, expressing his "honor" at meeting Trump and receiving the gifts, quickly garnered thousands of likes and a deluge of comments.

This isn't the first indication of support from Solarte for Trump. The athlete has previously expressed backing for Trump's political endeavors, though the specifics of that support were not publicly detailed. Some sports analysts suggest a growing trend of athletes openly aligning themselves with political figures, potentially reflecting a shift in the traditionally apolitical stance held by many professional athletes.

The interaction has sparked considerable debate online, with some praising Trump for his outreach to the sports community and others criticizing it as a transparent attempt to garner positive publicity. Social media platforms are flooded with commentary ranging from enthusiastic support to accusations of political maneuvering. Some commentators point to the optics of a former president bestowing gifts upon a professional athlete, raising questions about ethical considerations.

Beyond the immediate event, the award and subsequent gift-giving have ignited a broader discussion about the role of political figures in international recognition ceremonies and the increasing intersection between politics and professional sports. Experts in public relations and political strategy suggest that the carefully curated image of Trump receiving an award and then directly engaging with a public figure like Solarte is a deliberate tactic aimed at reinforcing a narrative of continued relevance and broad appeal. It also serves to remind potential voters of his ability to connect with diverse groups, even those outside the traditional political sphere. The long-term impact of this event on Trump's political standing remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds another layer to his already complex and often controversial public persona.