White House: Nobel Prize Committee ‘Places Politics over Peace’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump was not awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which instead went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The White House criticized the decision, accusing the Nobel Committee of politicizing peace. Trump has repeatedly lobbied for the honor, citing his diplomatic efforts abroad.
Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize Bid Falls Short Quick Looks
- Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025
- María Corina Machado of Venezuela won for democracy advocacy
- White House claimed the committee “places politics over peace”
- Trump had publicly campaigned for the award in both terms
- His nominations came late or after the official deadline
- Supporters and foreign leaders submitted his name for consideration
- Machado’s anti‑Maduro stance aligns with Trump’s foreign policy
- Trump claimed progress on international conflicts, though outcomes vary
- Critics warn the nominations may be politically motivated
- The Nobel Committee emphasized merit, not lobbying, in its decision
Deep Look
Trump’s Longtime Pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize Ends in Disappointment Again
WASHINGTON — Oct. 10, 2025 — President Donald Trump was once again excluded from Nobel Peace Prize consideration this year, even as high-profile Republicans, global leaders, and Trump himself pushed for his nomination. The Nobel went instead to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader honored for her efforts to reestablish democracy in her country.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, in awarding Machado, cited her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” and her role in the peaceful quest to transition Venezuela from authoritarian rule. The decision clearly bypassed Trump’s diplomatic claims, despite vocal support from within and outside his administration.
White House Reaction: Upset, Not Surprised
In response, the White House Communications Director, Steven Cheung, criticized the Nobel Committee, writing on social media that it “placed politics over peace” by failing to recognize Trump. He defended the president’s humanitarian record, asserting, “He has the heart of a humanitarian,” and suggesting no one else could accomplish what Trump claims to have attempted.
Notably, the White House did not directly comment on Machado’s selection, though her global recognition aligns closely with the administration’s public stance against the Maduro regime in Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for instance, has lauded her as resilient and patriotic.
Trump, for his part, has long openly lobbied for the Nobel. He has twice mentioned it during his presidencies and continues to assert that his peace efforts—from brokering accords to ceasefires—deserve the distinction.
“They’ll have to do what they do … I know this: I didn’t do it for that. I did it because I saved a lot of lives,” Trump said on Thursday.
Support groups in Israel, specifically the Hostages Families Forum, issued a statement defending Trump’s international contributions. They maintained that, regardless of awards, his efforts have had profound impact on peace and the lives of their members.
The Mechanics of Nobel Nominations
While Trump was nominated for the 2025 Peace Prize—most notably by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R‑NY) in December for his role in the Abraham Accords—many nominations occurred after the February 1 deadline. Official nominations must be submitted before that cutoff to count for the annual award.
Other formal nominations, submitted late or for future consideration, have come from international figures such as Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu, Hun Manet, and the government of Pakistan. Their arguments centered on his involvement in resolving regional standoffs.
The Nobel Committee, however, stressed that it does not reward media campaigns or external lobbying. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the committee, said they receive thousands of letters annually and remain guided by Alfred Nobel’s original intention: awarding those who promote peace through genuine, lasting efforts.
Global and Domestic Contexts
Though the Israel–Hamas ceasefire entered effect Friday, major uncertainties persist about Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s governance. Moreover, Trump’s prior assurances to end conflicts—such as claiming he could end Russia’s war in Ukraine in a day—remain unfulfilled or symbolic.
Domestically, Trump has pursued aggressive policies: mass deportations, muscular law enforcement in cities, and expanded executive powers over drug cartels. He also withdrew U.S. participation from the Paris Climate Agreement and unleashed trade tensions internationally.
Critics argue that many of the nominations of Trump are less about his proven peace record and more about political optics—supporters seeking favor or publicity. Those critics contend that the publicity surrounding his nominations may make him a “safe bet” for loyalists, but less so for an impartial committee.
In contrast, Machado’s selection represents a clear alignment between her real risk, her advocacy under threat, and her consistent opposition to a repressive regime. Her Nobel has been hailed as one of legitimacy rather than strategic favor.
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