President Trump just honored Rush Limbaugh with the country’s highest civilian honor. And surprisingly, first lady Melania Trump actually presented him with it in the House chamber as the president was delivering his State of the Union speech.
During Trump’s address on Tuesday, he awarded the legendary conservative talk show host the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Limbaugh, who had a front row seat to the speech, recently announced his cancer diagnosis. Yet despite stage 4 lung cancer, Limbaugh is, according to the president, “the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet.”
Trump called Limbaugh “a special man, beloved by millions of Americans.” He continued, “Rush Limbaugh: Thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country.”
Melania Trump, standing next to Limbaugh, presented him with the award on the spot.
For Trump, this decision to honor Limbaugh now is not only appreciative of a political ally with a decadesold radio show; it’s also a smart way to build goodwill with both Limbaugh fans and Trump voters (many of whom, of course, overlap).
While Trump spent much of his speech playing up his record with the economy and criminal justice reform, he also made sure to galvanize his supporters. Him honoring Limbaugh will do just that.
