Nobel Peace Prize Prospects for Trump Encounter Skepticism

Historians in Oslo have reacted critically to President Donald Trump’s claim regarding his chances of winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, calling it “completely unthinkable.”

Trump has expressed that not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, especially with backing from international hosts, would be a form of “injustice” for the United States, according to reports.

So far, seven global leaders have officially nominated him. These nominations come from the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for his peace efforts in that region, along with leaders from Gabon and Rwanda, who cite his mediation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additional nominations have come from leaders in Cambodia, Pakistan, and Israel.

However, experts in Oslo have differing views. Some argue Trump stands little chance, primarily due to his “America-first” approach and a style they describe as divisive.

Historian Oyvind Stenelsen, who has researched the awards, remarked it is “completely unthinkable” that Trump could win. He pointed out that Trump’s actions often contradict the ideals the Nobel Prize embodies. The Prize is, after all, meant to promote multilateral cooperation—something that is challenged by Trump’s policies.

Karim Hagag, the head of the Stockholm International Peace Institute, added that the Nobel Committee must look for substantial evidence of successful peace efforts when considering candidates.

In an interesting note, tens of thousands have the right to submit nominations for this prestigious prize, with 338 individuals and organizations nominated this year—though their identities remain secret for half a century.

The Nobel Committee has faced backlash in the past for awarding former President Barack Obama the Prize before he took office in 2009. The committee’s former chairman expressed regret over that decision, acknowledging that even Obama supporters thought it was premature. In his memoir, Obama himself recalled asking, “What for?” when he learned he had won.

Trump was previously nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for his efforts in mediating between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as for normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

The Nobel Prize is not just about prestige; it comes with a diploma, a gold medal, and a check for around $1.2 million. This year’s winners will be announced on October 10th.