Trump in the running for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize?

US President Donald Trump has failed to win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This time the prize has been awarded to Venezuelan opposition politician Maria Corina Machado. However, Trump still has a chance - to win this prestigious award next year, i.e. in 2026.

Why is it important

Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize is a major achievement for Trump. He himself has publicly stated that not receiving the award would be a 'great humiliation' for the United States. Former President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 - which annoyed Trump. At a 2024 election rally, Trump said, Obama was given the Nobel, he himself does not know why he received it!

Nobel Awarding Process

Each year, the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee, appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, determines the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Members of the national parliament, heads of government, university professors, members of the International Court of Justice and previous winners can also nominate candidates. The deadline for nominations is usually January 31, although the committee can add additional names at its first meeting. The winner is determined in early October, which is final.

Trump's nomination complications

Trump was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Prize by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the governments of Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Rwanda and Cambodia. However, since these were submitted after the January deadline, they will be included in the 2026 Nobel discussions. That is, Trump's name is already on the 2026 Nobel list.

Gaza ceasefire and new prospects

The Israeli government recently approved a Trump-backed Gaza ceasefire plan, which Hamas has also accepted. According to this agreement, Hamas will release its hostages and Israel will partially withdraw its troops. If the ceasefire holds, it could strengthen Trump's case for the Nobel.

Experts' Opinion

David Townley, a US political analyst at the University of Portsmouth in Britain, said that Trump believes he deserves the prize, and his claim that he has stopped seven wars is a big exaggeration. If the Gaza ceasefire turns into a sustainable peace agreement, he may have some chance in 2026. But the question remains - should a leader who has deployed troops to suppress his country's dissent be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

Future prospects

According to analysts, there is no doubt that Trump will be a candidate for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. However, whether he will make the final list or not will depend on the decision of the Nobel Committee and whether the Gaza ceasefire turns into a sustainable peace.

Source: Newsweek