US President Donald Trump spoke at a White House event ahead of a special, unprecedented ceremony at the State Department hosted alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump highlighted that this would be the first time a sitting US president has personally hosted such an awards event, calling it a “special night” for the attendees. In his trademark style, Trump joked about media coverage, compared himself to late-night TV hosts, and expressed confidence that the event would be memorable. He thanked participants for their contributions, saying the evening and the following two days would be among the most special moments of their lives.