“Iran War Participation Trophy” Mocking Trump Provokes The White House’s Ire
3July 17, 2026
A ten-foot-tall “Iran War Participation Trophy” has been placed on the lawn of the National Mall in Washington D.C., recognizing President Donald Trump. The trophy, which is spray-painted gold and features “#1” and “Participant” embossed on its body and base respectively, is the handiwork of satirical artist collective the Secret Handshake, who created anotherinstallationlast year mocking Trump’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In an email totheWashington Post, which reported on the trophy’s appearance on July 13, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly called the Secret Handshake “untalented ‘artists,’” and advised them to “refrain from weighing in on foreign policy,” reiterating that the US “achieved all of its objectives during Operation Epic Fury.”
The trophy is made from wood, foam, and plaster. It satirizes Trump’s pursuit of accolades during his second term, ranging from his controversial acceptance of a Nobel Peace Prize medal from prize winner María Corina Machado, to him winning the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. “We didn’t make up the idea of a big dumb trophy as being important. He did,” the Secret Handshake told Fast Company via email.
A plaque on the trophy’s base reads: “We hereby award President Donald J. Trump this participation trophy for his enthusiastic involvement in the Iranian War. While some concern themselves with military strategy, diplomacy, or measurable outcomes, President Trump demonstrated the courage to participate regardless of the final score. “As the recipient of this prestigious award, President Trump joins the ranks of children everywhere who received recognition for simply showing up.”
The plaque is signed: “With honor, the Secret Handshake Prize Committee.” Another plaque nearby invites visitors to add their own trophies, adding that “No accomplishment is too distant, too small, or too unearned to bestow on President Trump.” As per TIME magazine, the Secret Handshake intends to leave the installation on display for the next few days and called the gesture “an attempt to de-escalate the conflict through positive reinforcement.” The trophy’s appearance comes at a time when both the US and Iran have renewed hostilities following the collapse of an interim cease-fire deal signed in June.