Nobel Peace Prize Chair Explains Decision For Not Awarding Trump Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize committee has made its decision — and once again, President Donald Trump is not on the list.

Despite a months-long push, growing speculation, and multiple international nominations, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize went instead to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. That alone stirred headlines. But it was the committee’s explanation — or lack thereof — that has people raising eyebrows.

When asked directly about Trump’s absence, Nobel Committee chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes offered a carefully worded response, saying only that the prize goes to the candidate whose work aligns most closely with the will of Alfred Nobel. He didn’t mention Trump’s name once.

He did, however, emphasize that the selection is about “courage and integrity,” and noted that the committee receives “thousands and thousands” of letters every year from people around the world recommending candidates.

But here’s what he didn’t say — why a president who helped negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, orchestrated hostage releases, and was nominated by leaders across four continents didn’t make the final cut.

The committee instead chose to honor Machado for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela and for her personal sacrifices under a regime accused of political oppression.

Machado’s story is undoubtedly compelling. She has remained in the country despite threats, arrest attempts, and disqualification from elections she was projected to win. Her leadership, the committee says, “inspired millions.” That’s a powerful statement — and few would deny the risk she’s taken.

But back in the U.S., the White House response was swift. “The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. He added that Trump will “continue making peace deals around the world, ending wars, and saving lives,” Nobel medal or not.

Trump, who is serving his second term in office after his 2024 reelection, had pointed to his 20-point Gaza peace plan as proof of his efforts to end major global conflicts. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — part of that same plan — was announced just as the Nobel decision became public.