Washington, June 3 -- Retired Gen. Colin Powell and his wife, Alma, are "two people to really look up to," President Donald Trump said Sunday.

Trump congratulated the Powells at the close of an annual gala at Ford's Theater during which they received the Lincoln Medal, along with American political humorist Mark Russell. The theater's society has awarded the medal annually since 1981 to individuals whose body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes embodies the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated in the theater in 1865.

"We do want to preserve this heritage and this center's treasured legacy," said Trump, who was accompanied by his wife, first lady Melania Trump, the gala's honorary chairwoman. "I also want...