Why Trump Lost the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Machado

News Desk 

Oslo: The Norwegian Nobel Committee has defended its decision to exclude US President Donald Trump from consideration for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, stating that the award is based solely on merit and remains free from political or media influence.

In an official statement, Committee Chair Jürgen Watane-Friedens emphasized that the selection process adheres strictly to Alfred Nobel’s original principles. “Our decisions are based on merit, not campaigns or public appeals,” he said, reaffirming the committee’s independence.

According to reports, nominations for the 2025 Peace Prize closed on January 31—just days after Trump’s inauguration on January 20—meaning that his recent diplomatic efforts, including the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, were not eligible for consideration this year.

Trump’s Campaign for Prize Backfires

Analysts suggest that Trump’s overt push for recognition may have undermined his chances.

“The committee wants to protect its independence from political influence,” said Theo Zeno, a researcher at the Henry Jackson Society. “Trump’s open lobbying likely reinforced the perception that he was trying to pressure the process.”

Experts also noted that the Nobel Committee rarely reconsiders its decisions based on last-minute diplomatic developments or newly signed peace deals.

Machado Named 2025 Nobel Peace Laureate

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader honored for her peaceful struggle against authoritarianism and her advocacy for democracy and human rights.

Observers say the committee’s choice sends a strong message of support for global democratic movements and serves as a rejection of populist or strongman politics.

Political analyst Matthew Mukhefi Ashton of Nottingham Trent University described the decision as “a calculated move” intended to balance international sentiment. “By honoring Machado, the committee simultaneously appeals to both Trump’s supporters and critics,” he remarked.

For Trump, who has long sought global recognition for his diplomatic initiatives, the decision represents a symbolic setback. 

His fascination with the Nobel Peace Prize dates back to 2009, when then-President Barack Obama received the honor shortly after taking office — a decision Trump criticized as “elitist and unfair.”

While the 2025 outcome extends that long-standing rivalry, analysts believe Trump could still be considered for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize if his current peace efforts, particularly in the Middle East, demonstrate lasting success.