The head of the Nobel Peace Prize, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, clarified on Friday why Donald Trump was not awarded the prestigious honor, despite calls from some quarters to recognize the U.S. president for his role in the recent Israel-Hamas peace negotiations. Frydnes indicated that the committee’s decision was based on a long-standing evaluation of candidates’ contributions to peace, rather than the timing of events.
When asked about the push to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, particularly following a significant peace deal between Israel and Hamas, Frydnes emphasized the committee’s commitment to assessing candidates on their merits. He refrained from directly naming Trump, stating, “In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen many types of campaign, media attention.”
He highlighted that the Nobel Committee receives thousands of nominations and letters each year from individuals advocating for various peace initiatives. Frydnes articulated that the committee’s decisions are rooted in the values of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the prize, and reflect a commitment to “courage and integrity” in their selections.
The five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee made its decision on Monday, just days before the peace deal was finalized. In the lead-up to the announcement, several of Trump’s allies, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly called for the president to be recognized. Netanyahu shared an AI-generated image of Trump adorned with a Nobel Peace Prize, urging the committee to honor him with the award, stating, “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize – he deserves it!”
While Trump has garnered praise for his diplomatic efforts, particularly during his second presidential term, the committee ultimately chose to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader in Venezuela. The decision reflects the committee’s focus on established criteria for awarding the prize, rather than last-minute appeals from political figures.
The Nobel Peace Prize continues to be a symbol of recognition for individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to global peace, and the committee remains steadfast in its mission to uphold these standards, regardless of the political landscape. As discussions surrounding the nomination and subsequent decision unfold, the Nobel Committee stands by its criteria, emphasizing the importance of impactful and sustained contributions to peace.
