Was Trump ever technically eligible for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize generated significant global attention, driven largely by speculation that US President Donald Trump might receive the award. Throughout the year, he had been endorsed by numerous political figures, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his role in international negotiations and peace efforts. However, the prize ultimately went to an opposition leader from Venezuela, a decision that sparked widespread debate and drew an even brighter spotlight on the award process.

The announcement almost coincided with news of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated through Washington’s diplomatic efforts. Many observers credited Trump’s involvement in this process as deserving of recognition, reigniting discussion over whether he had ever truly been in contention for the Nobel Peace Prize. According to several media reports, including by NBC News, the answer was technically no.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a committee of five individuals selected by the Norwegian Parliament. Members of parliament themselves are not eligible to serve. The committee relies on permanent advisers and expert consultants, both Norwegian and international, to assess the nominees.

Candidates are evaluated based on the criteria outlined in Alfred Nobel’s will, which stipulates that the prize should go to the person who has done “the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”

Since World War II, the Nobel Committee has recognized contributions in four key areas: arms control and disarmament, peace negotiations, democracy and human rights, and efforts to build a more peaceful and well-organized world.

For the current year, there were 339 nominees—244 individuals and 95 organizations. The committee keeps the list of candidates secret for 50 years, though nominators may publicly disclose their choices.

Evaluating Trump’s true chances

President Trump was nominated by several prominent individuals, including leaders from the US and abroad. However, most of these nominations arrived after the official deadline of January 31, making them ineligible for consideration. Only one valid nomination—submitted by US Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York—was received before the cutoff. She cited Trump’s role in facilitating the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states.

After the 2025 award was announced on October 10, many in Washington criticized the outcome, viewing it as a “snub” toward Trump. His supporters argued that he should be the leading candidate for next year’s prize, citing his claimed role in brokering peace in Gaza and in several other conflicts.

Historically, three sitting US presidents have received the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Woodrow Wilson in 1919, and Barack Obama in 2009. Jimmy Carter later won in 2002, long after leaving office, while former Vice President Al Gore shared the prize in 2007 for his environmental advocacy.

Nonetheless, analysts cited by NBC noted that Trump’s “America First” foreign policy might pose a significant obstacle. The Nobel Committee prioritizes international cooperation and fraternity among nations—values sometimes at odds with Trump’s more unilateral approach.

Critics also pointed out that his threats to “acquire” Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, as well as his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, undermined his image as a promoter of global unity.

By Nazrin Sadigova