Trump Faces Heavy Scrutiny as He Plans to Award Himself the Medal of Honor Amid Iran War

As the war in Iran continues to affect lives across the globe, a recent news related to President Donald Trump has drawn significant attention.

Amid the Middle East crisis, Trump has reportedly told associates that he believes he deserves the Medal of Honor, citing a 2019 visit to troops in Iraq.

However, White House counsel David Warrington has blocked the idea, reports have claimed.

Critics have questioned a number of Trump's decisions ever since the U.S. and Israel launched joint military strikes in Iran on February 28, as part of Operation Epic Fury.

This triggered a chain of events that led to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing fuel prices to increase at an alarming rate.

Now, according to The Wall Street Journal, a White House insider has claimed that Trump wants to award himself the Medal of Honor.

However, the insider has also stated that Trump's approach to the Iran conflict has reportedly frustrated aides at times, who have worked to manage his involvement in operational decisions.

The source reportedly mentioned that the president's maximalist approach has prevented the United States from making effective decisions.

One instance cited involved Trump resisting a proposed operation to capture Kharg Island, a launch point for 90 percent of Iran's oil exports, over concerns about potential American casualties.

Despite opposing that operation, Trump has continued to issue public warnings to Iran.

The Wall Street Journal, citing a senior administration official and others who spoke with Trump after his April 7 statement to Iran, reported that Trump proposed awarding himself the Medal of Honor.

Trump said his reasoning stemmed from a visit to troops in Iraq during his first term, in which his plane descended in darkness toward an unlit runway.

He said he "counted down the feet to the plane landing, and recalled how scary it was," adding that pilots repeatedly reassured him they would land safely.

The Medal of Honor is designed to be presented to “honor bravery, courage and sacrifice.”

However, White House counsel Warrington has reportedly declined to permit Trump to award it to himself.

Notably, the president has also talked about this issue in the past.

In February 2026, during a speech in Georgia, Trump reportedly raised the idea of awarding himself the Medal of Honor.

At the time, he had said, “I’ve given out so many to guys that are seriously brave — I mean, they come in with — the arms are missing, the legs are missing, the stories are so unbelievable.”

He then described awarding the medal to a soldier and suggested that he might give one to himself.

Trump added, "I'm going to test the law, I'm going to say… let's give it a shot. Maybe I'll win in court after everyone sues me."

He later described the remarks as a joke, saying he was "having fun."

The comments drew a subdued reaction from military members in attendance during the president's speech, some of whom had lost limbs or family members in combat.