Trump’s Nobel Campaign Ends in Disappointment

After weeks of heightened anticipation and a vigorous public relations campaign, Donald Trump’s quest for the Nobel Peace Prize has ended in disappointment. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Friday that the 2025 prize would go to Venezuelan activist María Corina Machado.
The former U.S. President’s hopes had been high, especially following the international attention given to his Gaza ceasefire plan. His team had aggressively lobbied for the award, positioning him as a uniquely effective peacemaker in a world of intractable conflicts.
However, the committee chose a different path, honoring Machado for her long-term, foundational work in uniting Venezuela’s opposition and advocating for democracy. Their decision reflects a preference for sustained, grassroots efforts over high-profile, state-level diplomacy.
The disappointment was palpable in the White House’s response. A statement was quickly issued, not to congratulate the winner, but to defend Trump’s record and assert his continued relevance. “President Trump will continue making peace deals,” the message read, a clear attempt to downplay the significance of the loss.
For Trump, who has long sought the validation of the global establishment, this snub is a significant public setback. For the Nobel committee, it is a reassertion of its independence and its commitment to a specific, and very different, vision of peace.