Overview
- The Seventh Annual Patriot Awards were held Nov. 6 at the Tilles Center at LIU Post on Long Island, with Sean Hannity serving as host.
- In her acceptance speech, the first lady urged Americans to celebrate those who think differently and described innovation as a form of patriotism.
- Coverage tied the honor to her push for the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act targeting non‑consensual explicit imagery and AI deepfakes, which the White House says she helped move into law.
- The White House also cites $25 million in the president’s FY2026 budget for housing and support for youth transitioning out of foster care as part of her portfolio.
- The event introduced a new Charlie Kirk Legacy Award, presented to Erika Kirk, alongside other categories recognizing veterans, first responders and community heroes.