California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed criticism towards President Donald Trump after he was awarded the newly established FIFA Peace Prize during a ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The award was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has been noted for his support of Trump. Newsom, known for his satirical political commentary, shared a Photoshopped image on social media depicting himself receiving a fictional 'Kohl’s Peace Prize' from Infantino, further highlighting the absurdity he perceives in the situation.

The FIFA Peace Prize's creation has sparked scrutiny, particularly as it followed Trump's unsuccessful bid for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her efforts to promote democracy. Critics have raised concerns regarding the transparency of the FIFA award's selection process, noting the absence of clear criteria or other candidates, and that it was not discussed with the FIFA Council. Human Rights Watch has also voiced concerns about the award's legitimacy, although FIFA has not responded to inquiries on the matter.

During the award ceremony, Trump claimed that he and Infantino had saved millions of lives by preventing wars, referencing conflicts in regions such as the Congo, India, and Pakistan. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the humanitarian implications of militarism and state aggression in global politics. Despite Trump's assertion that receiving the award was 'truly one of the great honours of my life,' public reactions have largely been negative, with many observers labeling the gesture as 'pathetic' and 'beyond parody.'

Additionally, Trump's recent activities at the Kennedy Center included presenting awards to various cultural figures, marking a notable shift in the center's leadership and direction since his return to the White House. His actions have ignited debates about the influence of corporate power and political loyalty within cultural institutions.