President Trump received South Korea’s highest civilian honor on Wednesday, marking a high point in his efforts to strengthen U.S.-South Korean relations.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, accompanied by a replica of a historic Silla-era crown, an artifact traditionally reserved for heads of state.
Trump, known for his love of gold, admired the medal and its chain, telling reporters, “I would like to wear it right now.”
The crown, one of six surviving examples from Korea’s ancient Silla kingdom, symbolizes the enduring legacy of a dynasty credited with bringing lasting peace to the peninsula, according to The Telegraph.
Lee emphasized the gifts’ symbolic meaning, describing them as a herald of a “new golden age” for U.S.-South Korean ties.
“It symbolizes the spirit of Silla, which brought peace to the Korean peninsula for the first time, and there will be a new golden age of the Korean-U.S. alliance,” he said.
Trump’s diplomatic outreach to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was highlighted as a key factor in the presentation, reflecting ongoing U.S. efforts to stabilize the region, the New York Post reports.
The ceremony followed the recent “No Kings” protests in major U.S. cities, where Democrats voiced opposition to Trump’s policies.
The president responded with characteristic humor, posting a meme of himself wearing a crown while flying over protesters, demonstrating both defiance and theatrics.
During his visit to Gyeongju for the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Trump announced that Washington and Seoul had “pretty much” finalized a trade deal.
“We reached a deal. We did a lot of different things. Great session,” he told reporters, emphasizing progress on multiple economic fronts, from technology cooperation to broader market access.
The Silla-era crown originates from the Cheonmachong tomb in Gyeongju, featuring intricate gold prongs and delicate leaf-shaped details.
Gyeongju, once the Silla kingdom’s capital, now serves as a historic tourist destination and a symbolic backdrop for the awards ceremony, reinforcing the cultural significance of the gifts.
The Hill reports that security concerns persisted as North Korea conducted cruise missile tests on the same day.
Trump acknowledged the launches, downplaying their immediate threat and pointing to his personal understanding with Kim Jong Un.
“They’ve been launching missiles for decades. It’s another missile that was launched,” he said.
Lee also addressed regional security, noting that South Korea remains technically at war and that military spending would increase.
He discussed plans to provide nuclear fuel for potential nuclear-powered submarines, a proposal Trump met with cautious optimism, signaling U.S. interest in enhancing regional defense capabilities.
Trump’s Asia tour has combined ceremonial recognition with high-stakes diplomacy.
The crown and medal presentation underscore the use of symbolic gestures alongside trade negotiations and security discussions, highlighting both personal recognition for Trump and the strategic importance of maintaining strong alliances in the region.
As Trump continues his tour in China, the awards ceremony serves as a visible testament to U.S.-South Korean relations, blending ceremony, strategy and international recognition into a single historic moment.
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