The Nobel Peace Prize That Wasn’t: Why Donald Trump Missed Out in 2025
For weeks, political insiders whispered that former President Donald Trump was poised to finally claim the Nobel Peace Prize he has long coveted. Rumors swirled of serious consideration behind closed doors, and Trump’s team hinted at “big news” from Oslo. But when the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced its decision, the world—and Trump’s supporters—were taken aback. Once again, Trump was left empty-handed.
The Award Goes to Maria Corina Machado
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader, who has been in hiding since August 2024 amid a contentious election season.
Machado was recognized for her “tireless work in promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her courageous fight to bring about a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
An industrial engineer turned activist, Machado has been a relentless critic of President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime. Despite facing threats, persecution, and political bans, she continues to advocate for free elections and human rights in one of the world’s most volatile democracies. The award is widely hailed as a triumph for democracy and is expected to further strain tensions with Maduro’s government. The Nobel ceremony is scheduled for December 10 in Oslo.
Trump’s Claims vs. The Committee’s Rationale
Trump’s reaction is expected to be muted or critical. For years, he has insisted he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, frequently citing his diplomatic efforts as proof.
In February, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump remarked, “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.” Again in August, he claimed to have ended “six wars this year — no ceasefires, just real deals,” framing himself as a master peacemaker.
More recently, Trump took credit for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, posting on Truth Social:
“Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan. All hostages will soon be released, and Israel will withdraw its troops as part of a lasting peace. This is a great day for peace across the Middle East and beyond. Blessed are the peacemakers!”
Yet the Nobel Committee emphasized that the prize was awarded strictly on merit, rooted in Alfred Nobel’s original vision.
Chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes said:
“Our decisions are guided solely by the will and principles of Alfred Nobel.”
He firmly denied any allegations of political bias.
On social media, the Nobel organization highlighted Machado’s work:
“Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. Yet around the world, democratic institutions are under threat, and authoritarian regimes continue to rise. Maria Corina Machado has devoted years to defending the freedom of her people against these forces.”
They noted that despite a record number of elections worldwide in 2024, many were neither free nor fair—making Machado’s efforts all the more crucial.
Conclusion
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize sends a clear message: global recognition is not awarded based on self-promotion or claims but on enduring courage in defense of democracy and human rights.
While Donald Trump continues to portray himself as a peacemaker, the Nobel Committee’s choice highlights a different truth—that true peace often begins with the fight for freedom and justice.
For Maria Corina Machado, the prize is a powerful validation of her lifelong struggle against oppression. For Trump, it marks yet another year watching from the sidelines as history draws its own conclusions.