Kathrine Frich
Trump has stated multiple times that he believed he merited the Nobel.
Trump has stated multiple times that he believed he merited the Nobel.
Why Trump didn’t win peace prize
Despite Donald Trump insisting he deserves the Nobel, the 2025 Peace Prize went to María Corina Machado.
The Nobel committee released its rationale, addressing public and media pressure about Trump’s claimed eligibility.
The decision reflects deep deliberation behind the scenes.
He “deserves” the prize
Trump has stated multiple times that he believed he merited the Nobel.
Many observers expected him to be a contender after a U.S.‑brokered Israel–Hamas ceasefire.
His public statements created anticipation for whether the committee would respond to that claim.
Award goes to Machado
The prize was awarded to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition figure who went into hiding in August 2024 after contested elections.
Machado was recognised for her work defending democracy, even under serious personal risk.
Chairman rejects political pressure
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Nobel committee, was asked whether Trump’s public campaign influenced the decision.
He responded: “We base our decision only on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel.”
The committee claimed long experience in handling media and public pressure.
Democracy as foundation for peace
The committee stressed that democracy must underpin lasting peace.
They warned of increasing authoritarian trends, saying:
“In the past year, #NobelPeacePrize laureate Maria Corina Machado … has spent years working for the freedom of the Venezuelan people … Many authoritarian regimes are challenging norms … free media silenced, critics imprisoned … societies pushed towards authoritarian rule.”
Machado thanks the committee from hiding
Machado sent a letter from hiding to express her gratitude.
Her struggle under an oppressive regime made her candidacy symbolically powerful.
The Nobel statement implied that choosing her rather than Trump reflected the committee’s alignment with resistance to authoritarianism.
338 candidates competed this year
The Nobel Peace Prize committee consideration was broad: 338 nominations in 2025, covering 244 individuals and 94 organizations.
Trump was among the many who hoped to be nominated, but the committee faced a crowded field and complex choices.
The legacy of Nobel
The Nobel Peace Prize is meant for actions that promote fraternity among nations and reduce war.
The committee reiterated that it awards those whose efforts to secure peace are rooted in values, not in political lobbying or celebrity appeal.
Their decision sends a message about the integrity of the process.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
