Donald Trump says he deserves the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for helping address eight conflicts, but doubts the Norwegian Nobel Committee will select him.
US President Donald Trump has renewed his claim that he deserves the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, just two days before the Norwegian Nobel Committee announces this year’s winner.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, October 7, Trump said he did not know what decision the committee would make and questioned whether it would recognise “people like me”.
“It is about that time,” Trump said while referring to the award, which will be announced in Oslo on Friday, October 9.
Trump Claims Credit for Ending Eight Conflicts
Trump argued that his involvement in eight international conflicts justified receiving the prestigious award.
The White House has cited diplomatic efforts involving India and Pakistan, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Thailand, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and other regional disputes.
However, Trump’s characterisation of these conflicts as wars he personally ended remains disputed. Fighting has resumed in some regions, while several agreements remain incomplete or fragile.
India has also consistently maintained that its May 2025 understanding with Pakistan was reached directly through established military communication channels, rejecting Trump’s repeated claims that US trade pressure produced the ceasefire.
Trump has yet to fulfil his promise to end the Russia–Ukraine war, while the continuing conflict involving Iran has created further questions about his credentials as a peace candidate.
Nobel Committee Keeps Nominations Secret
Leaders from Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan have publicly said that they nominated Trump. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee neither confirms nor denies individual nominations until its records are opened after 50 years.
The committee also stresses that being nominated does not amount to an endorsement or official honour because thousands of eligible people—including lawmakers, academics and previous laureates—can submit candidates.
There are 287 candidates for the 2026 prize, comprising 208 individuals and 79 organisations.
Reported contenders include Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court and United Nations experts, although the official shortlist remains confidential.
Trump Refers to Machado’s Nobel Medal
Trump also referred to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize and later presented her medal to him.
He said he had effectively received the honour “indirectly” because Machado had publicly argued that he deserved recognition for his diplomatic efforts.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2026 laureate at 11 am Central European Summer Time on October 9. The award ceremony will be held in Oslo on December 10.
About the Author
