Former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of deserving it due to his efforts in international peace negotiations. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize... it’s too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.”
For nearly a decade, Trump has voiced his desire for the accolade, frequently referencing it in interviews and speeches. Current and former advisers have indicated that the prospect of winning the prize is a significant concern for him, especially as he seeks to broker peace deals in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. White House communications director Steven Cheung remarked that the prize would be “illegitimate” if Trump is not recognized for his contributions to global harmony.
Trump's focus on the Nobel Peace Prize is viewed as a reflection of his desire for recognition and validation, particularly when compared to former President Barack Obama, who received the award shortly after taking office in 2009. Trump’s former national security adviser, John R. Bolton, suggested that Trump felt slighted by Obama’s win, especially since he perceived Obama's achievements as minimal.
In recent campaign speeches, Trump has drawn parallels between his own experiences and Obama’s Nobel recognition, stating that if he were in Obama's position, he would have been awarded the prize quickly. Despite his aspirations, the nomination process allows a wide array of individuals to recommend candidates, and Trump has received multiple nominations from various supporters over the years. Recent nominations for Trump have highlighted his work on the Abraham Accords and efforts to stabilize relations in the Middle East.
While Trump has tried to highlight his legacy as a peacemaker through various initiatives, including international negotiations, critics have raised concerns about his alignment with aggressive leaders. For instance, his decision to temporarily suspend military aid to Ukraine has drawn scrutiny, with some international figures arguing that his actions do not contribute to peace.
Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, expressed skepticism regarding Trump's eligibility for the award at this time, emphasizing that true peace efforts must stem from genuine motivations rather than the pursuit of accolades.