U.S. President Donald Trump has failed to secure the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, despite an aggressive lobbying campaign and international nominations highlighting his role in brokering the recent Israel–Hamas ceasefire.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday that this year’s Peace Prize will go to Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader celebrated for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights and peaceful transition to democracy.”
Key Highlights
- Winner: Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan democracy activist
- Event: Nobel Peace Prize 2025 announcement
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Date: October 10, 2025
- Trump’s Status: Nominated but not selected despite support from several countries including Israel, Pakistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Nobel Committee’s Statement
In its official statement, the Nobel Committee said Machado was recognized
“for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Deputy Leader Asle Toje also made a pointed remark at lobbying efforts, saying:
“Some candidates push for [the prize] really hard, and we do not like it.”
Trump’s Reaction
A visibly frustrated Donald Trump reacted to the announcement, saying:
“They [the Nobel Committee] will give it to some guy who didn’t do a damn thing.”
Trump had earlier claimed credit for “mediating or ending” as many as eight international conflicts, including the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and made public remarks asserting he “deserved” the award.
Background & Geopolitical Angle
- Trump’s nomination was supported by Israel, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, among others, based on his high-profile diplomatic interventions.
- Nobel observers, however, noted that the committee traditionally favors long-term, multilateral peace-building rather than headline-grabbing deals.
- Analysts say Trump’s polarizing governance style and climate policy positions may have worked against him.
The decision to award Machado instead is seen as a rebuke to political lobbying and a reaffirmation of the Nobel Committee’s commitment to independent, principle-based peace recognition.
Global Reactions
- Supporters: Several Trump allies in the U.S. Congress and foreign leaders expressed disappointment, calling the decision “politically biased.”
- Social Media: The news triggered a flood of memes and commentary online, with Trump’s previous statements being widely mocked.
- Experts: Nobel historians noted the committee’s pattern of favoring sustained, grassroots peace work over political showmanship.
FAQs
Q1: Who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?
A: Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democracy.
Q2: Why didn’t Trump win the prize?
A: Despite lobbying and nominations, the Nobel Committee prioritized long-term democratic advocacy over political deals.
Q3: When was the winner announced?
A: October 10, 2025, in Oslo, Norway.
Q4: How did Trump react?
A: He criticized the committee, saying they “gave it to someone who didn’t do a damn thing.”
Q5: What does this mean for Trump politically?
A: The decision undercuts his international peace narrative and has sparked intense political debate.
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