Political commentator and MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid has sharply criticized FIFA’s decision to award U.S. President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize*, calling it a “fake” accolade from a “corrupt organization” desperate to curry favour with the U.S.
In a viral interview on “The Breakfast Club” podcast aired December 9, 2025, Reid did not hold back. “This man wanted a Nobel Peace Prize so badly and couldn’t get it,” she said. “He’s so needy and pathetic that FIFA knew how to play him. They’re like, ‘We’ll just invent a peace prize. Let me just give it to you.’ That is not a real peace prize.”
The full 58-minute interview went viral on TikTok, with millions sharing Reid’s takedown of what she described as a “PR stunt wrapped in gold plating.” She underscored FIFA’s history of bribery and controversy, questioning the credibility of any award presented by the body, especially one given by its president, Gianni Infantino.
Reid’s remarks come amid broader backlash against the award, with many critics pointing to Trump’s controversial foreign policy record and the secretive nature of the selection process. The inaugural FIFA Peace Prize—established in 2025—was ostensibly created to recognize global contributions to peace and unity through football diplomacy. However, its first recipient has only deepened skepticism.
Adding to the drama, Trump accepted the prize at the 2026 World Cup draws held at the Kennedy Centre, Washington DC, United States.
“Thank you very much. This is truly one of the great honors of my life. And beyond awards, Gianni (FIFA President) and I were discussing this, we saved millions and millions of lives,” Trump said.
“The world is a safer place now.”
Reid, however, dismissed these claims outright. “FIFA knows Trump is still influential, especially with the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. This was a transactional gesture, not a legitimate honor,” she said.
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