Former U.S. President Donald Trump was once again overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his public hope of joining the select group of American leaders who have received the honor. Instead, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded this year’s prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, recognizing her work to advance democratic rights in Venezuela and her push for a political transition in the country.
During his presidency, Trump brokered the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The deals were considered a rare breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy and fueled speculation that Trump might become a contender for the prestigious award.
Supporters also pointed to his administration’s efforts in conflict resolution, with nominations submitted from countries such as Cambodia and Pakistan. However, those submissions were received after the January 31 deadline, making them ineligible for consideration this year.
Despite these efforts, the committee passed him over, a move that Trump himself predicted earlier this year. At a public event, he remarked that he would “never” be given the prize, suggesting political considerations would outweigh his record.
The White House strongly criticized the decision, accusing the Nobel Committee of bias. “The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace,” said Communications Director Steven Cheung in a statement shared on social media.
Reaction abroad was mixed. Russian President Vladimir Putin, when asked about Trump’s candidacy, offered a restrained response, saying, “I don’t know whether he’s worthy of it or not,” according to Reuters.
Only four U.S. presidents have received the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama. Trump frequently cited his foreign policy record as evidence he deserved to join that list, claiming he had resolved “seven wars” during his presidency and highlighting his ongoing efforts to address the conflict in Gaza.
Yet the committee chose instead to spotlight Machado’s activism in Venezuela, calling her efforts vital to the country’s democratic future.
For now, the Nobel Committee has made clear that its 2025 decision is meant to highlight the struggle for democracy in Venezuela, rather than Trump’s record on international diplomacy.
