Former US President Donald Trump seemingly foresaw the outcome of the Nobel Peace Prize months in advance, hinting that he wouldn’t be awarded the prestigious honor. The prize was ultimately bestowed upon Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan pro-democracy activist and opposition figure acclaimed by the committee as a fearless advocate for liberty.
Trump and Machado were contenders among 244 individuals and 94 organizations in the race for the prize. Despite being nominated, Trump had expressed skepticism about his chances, suggesting that the award typically favored “liberals.” He had previously asserted that he deserved the recognition for his role in resolving various international conflicts, including a long-standing dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Claiming credit for brokering peace in regions such as India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia, Trump asserted that he would not be recognized for his efforts in conflicts like Russia-Ukraine. Critics have cast doubt on his assertions of conflict resolution. Trump acknowledged on the social platform Truth Social that he did not anticipate receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, stating that public perception mattered more to him.
Trump had lamented not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, citing his involvement in resolving conflicts globally. Despite his campaigning for the award, he had not commented publicly on Machado’s win at the time of reporting.
Machado was honored with this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her dedicated advocacy for democratic rights in Venezuela and her unwavering commitment to transitioning the nation from dictatorship to democracy. The committee attested that Machado met Alfred Nobel’s criteria for the peace prize by uniting Venezuela’s opposition, opposing the militarization of society, and supporting a peaceful shift to democracy.
When questioned about Trump not being selected for the prize, Nobel Committee chairman Jorgen Watne Frydnes emphasized that decisions were based on Alfred Nobel’s principles and the committee’s dedication to upholding courage and integrity in selecting laureates.