Donald Trump’s bid for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize ended in disappointment as Venezuelan activist Maria Corina Machado claimed the honour. Machado won for her tireless efforts to promote democracy and lead a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela.
Committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes explained the decision, saying the Nobel Committee evaluates work based on Alfred Nobel’s will, not media campaigns. “We receive thousands of letters every year, but we base our decision only on the work of the nominee,” he said. The committee meets in a room lined with portraits of past laureates, reminding members of courage and integrity.
Trump and the White House had promoted him heavily, claiming he helped end seven wars, including conflicts between India-Pakistan, Israel-Iran, and Armenia-Azerbaijan. India dismissed his claims about the Pakistan ceasefire, and experts noted that many of Trump’s claimed achievements were either short-term or exaggerated.
Despite his efforts, Trump did not win. The committee chose to honour sustained, meaningful contributions to peace and democracy, highlighting Machado as a unifying figure. Trump also criticised former president Barack Obama, claiming his Nobel win in 2009 was undeserved.
