Nobel Panel Resists Trump’s Campaign

President Donald Trump continues his push for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, despite skepticism from the Norwegian Nobel Committee. On September 20, Trump repeated claims of having “ended seven wars,” including tensions between India and Pakistan, insisting he deserves “one Nobel for each.”

The Nobel Committee, however, has stressed that external lobbying and media attention will not influence their decision-making.

Key Timeline

• Jan 31, 2025 – Nobel Peace Prize nomination deadline (11 days after Trump took office).
• Aug 26, 2025 – Trump Cabinet meeting openly praised his candidacy.
• Sept 11–12, 2025 – Nobel Committee emphasized independence from outside pressure.
• Sept 20, 2025 – Trump renewed claims at the American Cornerstone Institute dinner.
• Oct 10, 2025 – Winner announcement scheduled.

Statements

• Donald Trump: “What about the seven others? I should get a Nobel Prize for each one. I stopped seven wars.”
• Kristian Berg Harpviken (Nobel Committee Secretary): “Media attention has no impact on the discussions… nominees are considered only on their merits.”
• Steve Witkoff (Trump’s Special Envoy): Called Trump the “single finest candidate” in Nobel history.
• Leon Panetta (Former U.S. Defense Secretary): Questioned Trump’s credentials, saying peace requires “abiding by the rule of law.”
• Gavin Newsom (California Governor): Criticized Trump: “He wants a Nobel Peace Prize while deploying Marines against his own people?”

Global Reaction & Impact

• Diplomatic Friction: Norway confirmed Trump personally phoned officials about his nomination.
• Committee Independence: Nobel panel reiterated zero tolerance for pressure.
• Peace Talks Falter: U.S.–Russia talks in Alaska showed no Ukraine breakthrough.
• Public Opinion: Only 7% of Norwegians would back Trump over Kamala Harris in polls.
• International Nominations: Support from Israel, Cambodia, Pakistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, though 3 of 5 committee members have criticized Trump.

FAQs

Q1. Who nominates Nobel Peace Prize candidates?

Nominations can be made by lawmakers, academics, past laureates, and international leaders. The full list remains secret for 50 years.

Q2. Did Trump meet the 2025 nomination deadline?

Yes. The deadline closed Jan 31, 2025, just 11 days after he took office.

Q3. Has the Nobel Committee rejected Trump outright?

They have not disqualified him but emphasize that lobbying will not sway decisions.

Q4. What wars does Trump claim to have “ended”?

He cites tensions in India–Pakistan, Middle East ceasefires, and halts in conflicts like Armenia–Azerbaijan. However, many disputes remain unresolved.

Q5. When will the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize be announced?

On October 10, 2025, in Oslo, Norway.