WASHINGTON, DC: Following an executive order by President Donald Trump that rolled back several key economic penalties against Russia, a viral rumor quickly spread across social media claiming that Moscow had bestowed its inaugural “Kremlin Peace Prize” upon the American leader.
The online assertion triggered widespread speculation, sharp criticism, and immediate calls for verification across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads, where it accumulated tens of thousands of views. While many social media users used the rumor to criticize Trump’s diplomatic approach toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, others questioned its validity.
Fact Check: The Rumor is Satire
Investigations reveal that the claim is entirely fabricated. There are no official statements from the White House, the Kremlin, or Trump himself confirming any such award. Given the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding US-Russia relations, an honor of this nature would instantly dominate global news headlines.
The origin of the rumor traces back to The Borowitz Report, a well-known satirical news publication. The claim was published strictly as a piece of political satire rather than a statement of fact.
Background: Trump Lifts Lindsey O Graham Act Sanctions
The satirical story gained traction in the wake of Trump’s decision to lift specific sanctions originally designed to pressure Moscow over its military actions in Ukraine. These penalties were established under legislation championed by the late Senator Lindsey O Graham.
Citing provisions within the law that grant the executive branch authority to waive restrictions, Trump defended the move. “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump stated in the executive order, adding that he had formally notified Congress that the waiver serves U.S. national interests.
The decision has drawn sharp international reactions, notably from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who stated in a subsequent interview that he felt “betrayed” by the policy shift.