WASHINGTON, D.C. December 16, 2025 – President Donald Trump honored 13 U.S. military personnel with the newly established Mexican Border Defense Medal during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Monday, December 15, 2025. The awards recognize their contributions to securing the southern border under the administration’s intensified enforcement policies.
In a video shared by the official @WhiteHouse account on X, President Trump is seen presenting the medals to service members from various branches, standing in dress uniforms behind the Resolute Desk. The group includes Army and Marine Corps personnel, some displaying extensive ribbons and badges. A model fighter jet is visible on the desk, alongside other items.
The White House captioned the post: “The first 13 warriors receive the Mexican Border Defense Medal for SECURING the southern border. Heroes. 🇺🇸”
The Mexican Border Defense Medal, introduced earlier this year, acknowledges active-duty troops deployed to support border security operations, including efforts to “seal the southern border” as outlined in executive actions from the Trump administration. These operations have involved thousands of personnel in repelling unauthorized crossings and maintaining territorial integrity.
The ceremony underscores the president’s emphasis on military involvement in domestic border enforcement, a key priority since taking office in January 2025. Supporters praised the event as a tribute to frontline service members, with many online responses calling them “heroes” and expressing gratitude for their service.
The event follows other recent military-related activities, including President Trump’s attendance at the Army-Navy game and ongoing reforms to prioritize “lethality and readiness” in the armed forces.
The White House has not released the names of the recipients, citing operational security, but described them as exemplary warriors who played critical roles in achieving significant reductions in border encounters this year.
About The Author
