Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2025
October 29, 2025
Announcer. The medal is given exceptionally to heads of state of friendly nations who have contributed to the national security of Korea. Mr. President, you are the first American president to receive this medal.
The flower named Mugunghwa embodies the meaning of eternity. The laurel wreath symbolizes peace, freedom, victory. The gold crown symbolizes honor befitting the best of leaders.
As we give this medal to you, we convey our highest respect and appreciation to you for demonstrating the will to defend peace, strong leadership, and dedication to the Korea-U.S. relationship.
To honor your achievements in paving the way toward peace on the Korean Peninsula six years ago and in anticipation of the peace and prosperity you will bring to the Korean Peninsula, we present to you this medal with our deepest appreciation.
President Trump. Thank you. Thank you very much. Wow. That's as beautiful as it could possibly be. I'll always cherish it. It's very special.
President Lee. The people of Korea are awarding you with this medal with their deep appreciation.
President Trump. Thank you very much. It's a great honor, and we'll—we're going to keep it very good. Korea is very, very special. We have a very great relationship, and it will continue and only get stronger.
Thank you very much. That is really beautiful. Wow. I'd like to wear it right now. [Laughter] Thank you so much. We'll cherish it. Thank you very much, everybody. Appreciate it.
Announcer. Next is a gift from President Lee Jae Myung to President Trump. This is the Cheonmachong gold crown, which is a key artifact that represents the Silla dynasty, the first Korean kingdom to unite the Korean Peninsula.
This gold crown is the largest and most extravagant of the six existing gold crowns from the Silla period. The Cheonmachong gold crown symbolizes the divine connection between the authority of the heavens and sovereignty on Earth, as well as the strong leadership and authority of a leader.
We present this gold crown to you on this joyous occasion of your state visit to Gyeongju because it symbolizes the spirit of Silla, which brought peace to the Korean Peninsula for the first time, and the opening the golden age of the Korean-U.S. alliance.
President Trump. [Inaudible]—very special. Thank you very much.
President Lee. To new trust and companionship between Korea and the United States.
President Trump. Absolutely, that's right.
Thank you very much everybody. Appreciate it. Thank you very much.
NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the Gyeongju National Museum. President Lee and an announcer spoke in Korean, and their remarks were translated by an interpreter. The transcript was released by the Office of Communications on November 3. A portion of the announcer's remarks could not be verified because the audio was incomplete.
Categories: Meetings With Foreign Leaders and International Officials : South Korea, President Lee.
Locations: Gyeongju, South Korea.
Names: Lee Jae-myung.
Subjects: South Korea, President; South Korea, President Trump's visit; South Korea, relations with U.S.
DCPD Number: DCPD202501071.