Nobel Chair Defends Decision as He's Grilled About Trump's Campaign for Peace Prize

"During the past months, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize and he'd like to have it. He even said it would be an insult to the United States if he doesn't get it. What [do you], as chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize committee, think of this? And how has this campaign-like activity by the president and his supporters, domestically and internationally, affected the deliberation and thinking in the committee?"

"In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen many types of campaign, media attention. We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what, for them, leads to peace. This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel."

"Frydnes called her a brave and committed champion of peace who keeps the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness. Naming her, the chair said: In the past year, Miss Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist."

The Norwegian Nobel Committee rejected suggestions that the 2025 Peace Prize was awarded to spite U.S. President Donald Trump’s public campaigning. The committee noted it regularly receives many campaigns and thousands of letters annually and that decisions rest solely on the work and will of Alfred Nobel. Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the prize. Machado has been forced to live in hiding but remained in the country despite serious threats, a choice that inspired millions. The committee characterized her as a brave, committed champion of peace who keeps the flame of democracy burning as authoritarians advance. Some supporters of Trump pressed the committee to recognize his 20-point Gaza peace plan.

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