Donald Trump has always craved recognition, and few honours are more globally prestigious than the Nobel Peace Prize. Since leaving the White House, he has frequently reminded supporters that he was nominated “many times” and, in his words, “deserved it more than Obama.”
But in 2025, while his name once again came up in connection with the Peace Prize, experts and historians remain sceptical. They argue that Trump’s brand of diplomacy produces short-term deals and headlines but lacks the kind of sustained peacebuilding the Nobel Committee looks for.
📜 Trump’s Nobel Nominations Over the Years
2018–2019: North Korea Diplomacy
Trump’s historic meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un were hailed by his supporters as groundbreaking. He was the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in North Korea. This led to nominations from Norwegian and Japanese officials. But when talks stalled, critics said there was no real denuclearisation progress.
2020: The Abraham Accords
Trump’s biggest case for the Nobel came with the Abraham Accords, normalising diplomatic relations between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, with later participation by Sudan and Morocco. Supporters praised this as a milestone in Middle Eastern diplomacy, and Norwegian parliamentarians nominated him again.
2025: Renewed Push for Recognition
U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney submitted Trump’s name once more, citing the Abraham Accords. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and even Pakistani officials reportedly voiced support too. But the timing of these nominations missed the official Nobel deadline, making them invalid for this year.
🌐 Why Supporters Say He Deserves It
- Historic Meetings: No other sitting U.S. president had engaged North Korea the way Trump did.
- Peace Deals in the Middle East: The Abraham Accords are seen as reshaping alliances and reducing tensions.
- Tough Approach: His blunt, transactional style appealed to those who believe traditional diplomacy fails.
To Trump’s base, the Nobel Committee’s reluctance to award him confirms their belief that the prize has become politicised.
🔥 Why Critics Say He Falls Short
- Short-Term Achievements: While Trump could stop conflicts temporarily, the Nobel Committee prefers those who address root causes. North Korea’s nuclear program remains active, and Middle East tensions are ongoing.
- Disdain for Global Institutions: His withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and scepticism toward the United Nations clashed with the Nobel Committee’s emphasis on international cooperation.
- Controversial Legacy: Domestic policies, rhetoric around immigration, and his handling of international alliances raised doubts about whether his overall approach aligned with the spirit of the Peace Prize.
As one analyst put it: “There’s a difference between making headlines with a deal and building the kind of durable peace Alfred Nobel envisioned.”
🏆 Trump vs. Past U.S. Laureates
- Theodore Roosevelt (1906): Negotiated the end of the Russo-Japanese War.
- Woodrow Wilson (1919): Founded the League of Nations after World War I.
- Jimmy Carter (2002): Recognised for decades of global humanitarian work.
- Barack Obama (2009): Awarded early in his presidency for efforts to strengthen diplomacy.
Compared to these laureates, Trump’s case stands out as transactional and immediate, rather than part of a sustained peace-building legacy.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Did Donald Trump win a Nobel Peace Prize?
No, despite multiple nominations, he has never won.
Who nominated Trump?
Nominations came from U.S. politicians, Norwegian lawmakers, and, at times, international leaders such as Netanyahu.
How many times was Trump nominated?
At least three confirmed times (2018, 2019, 2020), with reports of further attempts in 2025.
Why is he unlikely to win?
Experts argue his diplomacy lacked long-term impact, and his rejection of multilateral cooperation runs against Nobel values.
Has any U.S. president won the Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes — Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.
Why was Trump nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?
For his role in North Korea talks and brokering the Abraham Accords in the Middle East.
🔮 Could Trump Ever Win in the Future?
The Nobel Committee values long-term contributions to peace, not just one-off deals. For Trump to be seriously considered:
- He would need to demonstrate lasting results, such as a permanent Middle East peace framework.
- His global reputation would need to shift toward collaboration rather than confrontation.
- A post-presidency humanitarian or peace effort (like Jimmy Carter’s work after leaving office) could improve his chances.
While unlikely, history shows it’s not impossible. Jimmy Carter, for example, won decades after leaving the White House. If Trump were to reinvent himself in a sustained peace role, the Nobel conversation could resurface.
📝 Conclusion
Donald Trump’s repeated push for Nobel Peace Prize recognition reflects both his desire for legacy and the divisive nature of his diplomacy. His nominations highlight big moments like North Korea summits and the Abraham Accords, but without lasting resolutions, the Nobel Committee remains unconvinced.
The Peace Prize often rewards those who build durable frameworks for peace and promote international cooperation. While Trump’s achievements were headline-grabbing, experts agree that they lack the depth and permanence expected of Nobel laureates.
For now, Trump’s Nobel story is one of unfulfilled ambition — a political talking point rather than a prize-winning achievement.
