Kathrine Frich
A broad range of “qualified nominators” can submit names for nomination.
A broad range of “qualified nominators” can submit names for nomination.
Could Trump Actually Win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Donald Trump has long claimed he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2025, he’s once again in the running.
Despite his own skepticism that “they’ll never give it to me,” he’s now been nominated multiple times this year, including by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Republican Congressman Buddy Carter, both citing his role in shaping the Iran-Israel dynamic.
Netanyahu Throws His Support Behind Trump
During a July visit to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally informed Trump that he had submitted a formal nomination letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
In Netanyahu’s words, the former president is “well deserving” of the honor for his part in what he described as “forging peace.”
How the Nobel Peace Prize Process Works
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, based in Oslo.
While the list of nominees is kept secret for 50 years, a broad range of “qualified nominators” can submit names.
These include government officials, academics, peace prize laureates, and members of Nobel-winning organizations.
Who Can Nominate a Candidate?
Among those eligible to nominate are national parliamentarians, university professors, judges at the International Court of Justice, and former Nobel Peace Prize winners.
This wide eligibility often leads to a diverse — and sometimes surprising — range of candidates.
Elon Musk Also in the Mix
One of the more eyebrow-raising names on the unofficial list is Elon Musk. Nominated by a Slovenian parliamentarian,
Musk was put forward for his “commitment to freedom of expression.”
This comes amid public spats between Musk and Trump, adding an extra layer of irony to their shared candidacy.
A Posthumous Nomination for Pope Francis
The late Pope Francis was nominated posthumously by a Norwegian parliamentarian for his lifetime of advocating for global peace.
While rare, posthumous nominations are allowed within a certain time frame following a candidate’s death.
A Global Cast of Dissidents and Activists
Several nominees are prominent figures in global human rights struggles:
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, imprisoned Russian politician Alexei Gorinov, Syrian Kurdish activists Îlham Ehmed and Sherwan Sherwani, and Pakistani figures like Imran Khan and Mahrang Baloch all appear on this year’s speculated list.
Chinese and Belarusian Voices in Focus
Human rights advocates from authoritarian regimes also feature: China’s Ilham Tohti, Huang Xueqin, Jimmy Lai, and Wang Yi have all been mentioned, alongside Belarusian opposition figure Mikola Statkevich, currently imprisoned by Lukashenko’s regime.
The Gaza Conflict’s Impact on the Nominations
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also shaped this year’s nominations.
Palestinian activists like Issa Amro and Mazin Qumsiyeh, as well as Israeli-American peace advocate Jeff Halper, are nominated.
In stark contrast, Daniella Weiss, an advocate for Israeli settlements, has also received backing from Israeli lawmakers.
A Controversial Nomination: The Green Prince
Mosab Hassan Yousef — once a member of Hamas and later a spy for Israel — is nominated for exposing Hamas’s inner operations and condemning religious extremism.
His candidacy is one of the more polarizing on the list, reflecting the complex narratives around peace and security in the region.
Other Notable Names on the List
Humanitarian and social justice nominees include Feride Rushiti, a doctor from Kosovo; Cheryl Perera, a Canadian children’s rights advocate; and Italian LGBTQ+ activist Porpora Marcasciano.
These individuals have worked on the ground in their communities to promote peace and protect vulnerable groups.
Institutions Join the Race
Organizations are also eligible for the prize, and this year’s rumored contenders include NATO, the International Criminal Court, the Israeli Hostage Forum, and even entire collectives — like the children of Gaza, representing the voiceless victims of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The January 6th Committee from the U.S. is also among the institutional nominees.
Trump’s Place in Presidential History
If he were to win, Trump would join an elite group of U.S. presidents who have received the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt (1906), Woodrow Wilson (1919), Jimmy Carter (2002, post-presidency), and Barack Obama (2009).
While the odds remain uncertain, Trump’s nomination is a reminder of the politically charged nature of global peace recognition.
