The White House has expressed its disapproval of the Nobel committee’s recent decision to withhold this year’s Peace Prize from President Donald Trump, alleging that the committee has prioritized political considerations over genuine peace efforts.
White House spokesperson Steven Cheung took to X to defend the President, stating, “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.” Trump’s pursuit of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize has been evident; he has actively lobbied for the recognition, highlighting his involvement in facilitating several international ceasefires.
As of now, President Trump has not publicly addressed his disappointment regarding the prize.
Nobel committee honors Venezuelan opposition leader
On the same day, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2025 Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, a prominent leader in the Venezuelan opposition. The committee praised her as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times”, recognizing her relentless advocacy for democratic rights and her commitment to achieving a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.
In the context of Venezuela’s political turmoil, Machado faced significant challenges. Her efforts to run against President Nicolás Maduro were thwarted when the government disqualified her, leading to Edmundo González, a less experienced candidate, taking her place. This election cycle was marred by extensive repression, including disqualifications of candidates, arrests, and widespread human rights violations.
The crackdown intensified after the National Electoral Council, loyal to Maduro, announced his victory despite widespread evidence suggesting otherwise. This announcement triggered protests across Venezuela, which were met with violent government responses, resulting in over 20 fatalities and the severing of diplomatic relations with several countries, including Argentina.
Machado’s resilience amidst oppression
In September 2024, the European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution asserting that González was the legitimate winner of the presidential election. Machado, reflecting on the dire situation, stated, “We are in a situation of maximum persecution, and practically all the leaders that had to do with the organisation of the elections are currently either in hiding, exiled, or refugeed abroad, or detained.” She emphasized that the struggle transcends political affiliations, framing it as a battle for freedom against oppression.
Since January, Machado has remained in hiding and has not made any public appearances. Concurrently, an arrest warrant was issued for González, who has since sought asylum in Spain.
Amidst speculation regarding Trump’s potential candidacy for the Nobel Prize, the committee generally emphasizes enduring peace, international fraternity, and the essential roles played by various institutions in these pursuits. Last year’s award recognized Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots organization of Japanese atomic bomb survivors dedicated to advocating against nuclear weaponry.
The Nobel Peace Prize remains the only award presented in Norway among the annual Nobel accolades, with the next ceremony scheduled for December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.