Fact Check: Did Russia award Trump the first-ever Kremlin Peace Prize?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid controversy over President Donald Trump’s decision to lift several Russian sanctions through an executive order, a rumor began circulating on social media claiming that Russia had awarded Trump its first-ever Kremlin Peace Prize.
The claim sparked concerns and speculation among online users, prompting a fact check.
Claim: Russia awards Trump Kremlin Peace Prize
The claim surfaced in a post on X, which alleged that Trump had won the first-ever Kremlin Peace Prize.
The claim also spread across other social media platforms, including Instagram and Threads, collectively garnering tens of thousands of views as of this writing.
The post drew mostly concerns and criticism from online users, with many expressing concerns about Trump’s growing relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Others remained skeptical, questioned the authenticity of the viral rumor, and called for a fact check.
Fact check: The claim was intended as satire
However, the claim is false, as there is no evidence that Russia awarded Trump its first-ever peace prize.
There have been no official announcements, statements, or social media posts from Trump, the Kremlin, or the White House about such a prize.
If the claim were true, it would likely have received widespread coverage from major US and international news outlets, making headlines and sparking global debate, given the relationship between the two countries.
Moreover, the claim was shared by the Facebook accounts of The Borowitz Report, an online satirical publication. Therefore, the claim was intended as satire rather than a factual announcement.
Trump lifts Russian sanctions amid Ukraine war
The claim surfaced after Trump moved to lift several Russian sanctions that had been imposed to pressure the Kremlin and curb its hostilities against Ukraine.
The sanctions were championed by the late Senator Lindsey O Graham and named after him. According to Trump, the law allows him to walk back “the application of any sanctions provision with respect to a foreign person.”
“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump said in the order.
“I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States,” Trump added.
In response to Trump’s move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview that he felt “betrayed” by the president’s decision.
