Fox News host Jesse Watters turns on Trump with claims FIFA is 'kissing his butt'

FIFA’s surprise decision to hand Donald Trump its first-ever “Peace Prize” during the 2026 World Cup draw has stirred up a wave of controversy, fueling political debate across social media and TV panels.

The award was introduced and presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., ahead of the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. What was expected to be a routine ceremony quickly turned into a political flashpoint.

On Fox News’ The Five, the hosts openly disagreed about the credibility of the award. Jesse Watters, usually a reliable Trump defender, questioned FIFA’s motives and said the organization was simply flattering Trump because the U.S. is one of the host nations.

Greg Gutfeld dismissed concerns, joking that critics would rather see the prize go to a global activist like Greta Thunberg. Gillian Turner pushed back, saying the award felt hollow because it was “created for the president” with no other nominees in consideration.

When Gutfeld pressed Turner on her criticism, Watters cut in sharply, arguing that the move was pure political pandering. His blunt remark made it clear he believed the prize was more symbolic than substantive.

Viewers on X (formerly Twitter) reacted instantly. Some mocked the award as a political stunt, calling it everything from a “participation trophy” to “self-promotion dressed up as peace.” Others suggested the moment said more about global politics than about Trump himself.

Footage aired of Trump accepting the prize and using the stage to praise his own leadership, claiming the U.S. had gone from struggling to “the hottest country anywhere in the world.” Critics noted that the new award’s vague criteria honoring “extraordinary action for peace” offered little explanation for why it was created or why Trump was chosen.

For many observers, the controversy highlighted a familiar pattern: international institutions appearing to cater to Trump while public reaction especially from more democratic and globally minded voices questioned the credibility and intent behind such gestures.