Washington (GNP): United States (US) President Donald Trump has renewed his claim that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, even as he admits he is unsure whether the committee will agree. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is due to announce the 2026 winner on Friday.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said he did not know what decision the committee would reach. He suggested the panel has a reputation for overlooking people like him.
The remarks continue a pattern. Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has repeatedly said he merits the prize, which is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious honours.
In the Oval Office, he added that the announcement season had arrived. He then recalled what he described as an indirect form of recognition from last year’s laureate.
That laureate is Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 prize. She gave her medal to Trump in January while seeking US support for her efforts in Venezuela, and she had earlier said nobody in history deserved the award more than him.
Trump bases his case on efforts to resolve eight conflicts since taking office. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and several US lawmakers have publicly nominated him.
His record, however, is contested. Parties involved in several of the conflicts have disputed his role, and fighting has resumed in some areas, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine also continues, although Trump had pledged to end it on the first day of his second term.
Another conflict adds to the pressure at home. US-Israeli strikes on Iran have contributed to a seven-month conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies and pushed up gas prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
Meanwhile, others are seen as stronger contenders. Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court and the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories are among this year’s favourites.
Trump said, “They have a reputation for maybe not giving it to people like me.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
