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Why Joe Mitchell Gave Trump a ‘Man of the Century’ Award in Iowa

October 23, 2026 · 5 min read

President Donald Trump was handed a “Man of the Century” award on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at a Republican rally in Sioux City, Iowa. The award was not issued by an established institution. Joe Mitchell, a Republican candidate for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, presented it on stage. Mitchell told the crowd he had come up with it himself. The rally took place at Sioux Gateway Airport, about two weeks before the midterm elections.

Quick Facts

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Location: Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City, Iowa
Presenter: Joe Mitchell, 29, Republican candidate for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District
Award: A framed certificate titled “Man of the Century”
Context: A campaign rally for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterms

How the Moment Unfolded

The presentation came near the end of the event. Mitchell said Trump had never been given the Nobel Peace Prize, called that a disgrace, and then announced the new award. He argued that Trump had fought more for humanity and for America than any other president.

Mitchell handed Trump a gold-framed certificate. The reaction was low-key. Trump shook Mitchell’s hand, took the frame and passed it to a member of his staff off stage.

Who Is Joe Mitchell?

Mitchell is running to represent northeastern Iowa and replace Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is running for the Senate. He is 29 years old. Handing out a surprise award at a high-profile rally is also a way for a House candidate to get noticed. That is a common feature of campaign events like this one, though it is only my reading of the context, not something the sources say.

Is “Man of the Century” a Real Award?

No official body gives an award by this name. The sources are consistent that Mitchell created it for the occasion. Critics on social media said it was not a real award. Journalist Aaron Rupar posted a clip of the moment on X and described it as an award Mitchell had “just made up.”

The Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Remarks

The award followed comments Trump made earlier in the evening. He told the crowd he deserved the Nobel Prize for ending several wars, and said he should have received the Pulitzer Prize for his writing too. Some outlets reported that Mitchell presented the award right after Trump complained about being passed over for the Nobel.

What Trump Said About Policy

The rally also covered policy. Radio Iowa reported that Trump promoted $150 million to boost fuel production. One report said he had largely avoided everyday cost-of-living concerns at recent stops in Kansas, South Carolina and Iowa. It said he promised instead that prices would fall once the current conflict ends. That characterization comes from a single outlet’s reading of his remarks.

The Political Stakes in Iowa

Iowa is not the safe state its recent results might suggest. Trump won it by 13 points two years ago. Republicans are now working to hold the governor’s office, a Senate seat and three House districts. The rally was for Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, who faces a tight race.

Across his stops, Trump has been urging supporters who backed him in presidential races to vote even when he is not on the ballot. Midterm turnout is usually lower than in presidential years. That makes enthusiasm a central concern for both parties.

Chris McGowan, the Republican candidate in Iowa’s 4th District, said that if supporters keep up the energy between now and November 3, Iowa will stay red.

What Comes Next

Trump is scheduled to return to Iowa on Sunday, November 1, for a rally in Dubuque. The Republican National Committee says that rally will be in a competitive House district. Election Day is November 3.

The Bottom Line

The award is a small moment in a long rally, and it carries no official weight. It does show how campaigns are being run in the final stretch. Candidates are competing for attention, local races are tied to the president’s profile, and Republicans are working to keep a state they won comfortably in 2024. Whether the rally changes any votes will be known after November 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who gave Trump the “Man of the Century” award in Iowa?

Joe Mitchell, a 29-year-old Republican state representative running for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, gave it to him.

When and where did it happen?

It happened on October 22, 2026, at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa, during a campaign rally.

Is it an official award?

No. Mitchell said he came up with it himself, and no established organization issued it.

Has Trump received a “Man of the Century” award before?

Yes. Moms for America gave him one at its Mothers of Influence Awards ceremony at Mar-a-Lago, according to reporting from the Irish Star.

How did Trump react?

He thanked Mitchell, shook his hand and passed the framed certificate to a staff member.

Will Trump return to Iowa?

Yes. A rally in Dubuque is scheduled for November 1.

Sources

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About The Author

Sophia Bennett

Sophia Bennett is a news and business journalist specializing in corporate affairs, global markets, entrepreneurship, and economic policy. She is committed to producing accurate, well-sourced, and balanced reporting that helps readers understand the latest business developments and their broader impact.

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