Trump’s Pursuit of Nobel Peace Prize Sparks Debate Amid Renewed Peace Efforts

President Donald Trump’s ambition for the Nobel Peace Prize has resurfaced as a mix of international aspirations, enduring rivalry with Barack Obama, and strategic provocations fuel his pursuit of the prestigious award.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed on July 31 that "it’s well past time that President Trump was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize," citing an average of one peace deal or ceasefire brokered per month since Trump’s return to office on January 20. She referenced mediations involving India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Egypt and Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Serbia and Kosovo among others. Leavitt also pointed to Trump's military actions against Iran’s nuclear sites as contributing to global peace, though she notably omitted commentary on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Support for Trump’s nomination has come from unexpected quarters. Pakistan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both nominated the former president. During a July White House gathering, leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon voiced support when asked if Trump merited the prize, to which Trump responded optimistically: "We could do this all day long."

Nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize, which are accepted by the Norwegian Nobel Committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, close on January 31, with the winner announced on October 10 this year. Among those endorsing Trump is Anat Alon-Beck, an Israeli-American law professor at Case Western Reserve University, who praised his “extraordinary leadership” and "strategic brilliance" in advancing peace and securing hostage releases in the Gaza Strip.

However, critics remain highly skeptical. Emma Shortis, a US history and politics researcher, likened nominating Trump to "entering a hyena in a dog show," firmly asserting that Trump is undeserving of the honor.

Trump, for his part, maintains that he merits the prize but will never receive it. In February, while hosting Netanyahu, he lamented missing the opportunity to claim the Nobel Peace Prize. Later, on his social media platform Truth Social, he expressed frustration over what he views as disregard for his diplomatic efforts regarding Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Iran conflicts, emphasizing that "the people know, and that’s all that matters to me!"

Analysts note Trump’s affinity for recognition and accolades, with Garret Martin, an international relations professor at American University, highlighting that Trump has persistently positioned himself in opposition to Obama, whose controversial 2009 Nobel Peace Prize continues to evoke debate. In October 2024, during the presidential campaign's final phase, Trump complained, "If I were named Obama I would have had the Nobel Prize given to me in 10 seconds."

Historically, four US presidents — Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama — have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Henry Kissinger was also awarded in 1973, a decision that sparked significant criticism.

The complete list of Nobel Peace Prize candidates is typically confidential, though sponsors may disclose nominations. This year, the Nobel Committee is considering 338 nominees. Among frontrunners are Trump and Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, according to betting odds.

The announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner is anticipated on October 10, as the global community watches closely to see if Trump’s renewed peace efforts will earn the esteemed accolade.