Key Takeaways:
- Political Snub: The Nobel Committee awarded Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado the Peace Prize, sparking backlash from those who say President Trump’s historic peace efforts were ignored for political reasons.
- Trump’s Achievements: Trump has brokered groundbreaking peace deals, including the Abraham Accords and a recent Israel-Hamas agreement, earning nominations from world leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Future Recognition Possible: While the committee’s nomination deadline passed before Trump’s latest accomplishments, he remains a leading contender for next year’s prize — and many argue it’s long overdue.
The Nobel Committee announced Thursday that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has won this year’s Nobel Peace Prize — a decision that’s already drawing criticism for what many call a politically motivated snub of President Donald Trump.
Machado was hailed by the committee as a “brave and committed champion of peace” for her fight to restore democracy in Venezuela. “She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said Joergen Watne Frydnes, the committee’s chair.
But critics argue the committee ignored Trump’s monumental accomplishments in global peacekeeping, including his historic deal between Israel and Hamas and the earlier Abraham Accords. White House communications director Steven Cheung said, “The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace,” adding that Trump “will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally nominated Trump earlier this year, citing his “well-deserved” role in forging multiple peace agreements. “He forged the Abraham Accords. He’s forging peace, as we speak, in one country and one region after the other,” Netanyahu said.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing victims of terrorism, also urged the Nobel Committee to recognize Trump, writing, “While others have offered empty promises, he has delivered tangible results that have saved countless lives.”
Trump’s record stands unmatched — and 2026 may finally be the year Oslo can no longer ignore the man who actually delivers peace.