Donald Trump’s approach to the Nobel Peace Prize is as unconventional as his presidency. Through public declarations and rallies, he has made it clear that he believes he “deserves” the award, a style of self-promotion that stands in stark contrast to the quiet dignity and discretion typically associated with the Nobel process.
Since 2018, Trump has been nominated several times, most notably for his role in the Abraham Accords. He has used these nominations to build a narrative of himself as a world-class peacemaker, telling delegates at the United Nations that “everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize.” This public campaign is unprecedented for a serious contender.
However, Nobel experts warn that this strategy is likely to backfire. The five-member committee, appointed by the Norwegian parliament, guards its independence fiercely. According to Nina Græger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, the committee will actively avoid any decision that could be perceived as caving to political pressure. Trump’s vocal demands could be interpreted as exactly that.
This clash of styles highlights a deeper disconnect. The Nobel Prize has historically honored individuals and organizations that engage in patient, often behind-the-scenes diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Trump’s brand is built on loud, bilateral deal-making and a public disdain for the globalist institutions the prize often celebrates. His rhetoric, as Græger notes, “does not point in a peaceful perspective.”
While the buzz around his candidacy is undeniable, the substance of his record and the manner of his campaign present significant hurdles. The Nobel committee values sustained effort and a commitment to international fraternity, qualities that critics say are absent from Trump’s political career. In the end, his boisterous quest for the prize may be the very thing that ensures it remains out of his reach.