President Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado holding a framed award in the Oval Office. 3 President Trump is delighted to receive Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize medal last week. Daniel Torok / The White House
Do you think Trump meets the criteria to receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
Posted on May 10, 2026 by Dtesca
Trump received the Nobel Prize!
While Trump’s diplomacy, focused on “getting things to the table and achieving results,” is seen by some states as a “success” that should be rewarded; the humanitarian consequences of his policies and his personal profile are in deep conflict with the values of “universal morality and human rights” that the Nobel Prize represents.
Whether Trump can receive the Nobel Peace Prize is a complex debate, both politically and technically. It would be most appropriate to evaluate this issue within the framework of the award criteria and Trump’s current nominations.
- What are the Criteria for the Nobel Peace Prize?
According to Alfred Nobel’s will, this award is given to “the person who has done the most or best work for the fraternity of nations, the reduction or elimination of armed forces, and the organization of peace congresses.” Today, the Norwegian Nobel Committee interprets these criteria more broadly, including defending human rights, conflict resolution, and promoting international cooperation. - Reasons for Trump’s Nomination
Trump has been nominated repeatedly by various countries (Pakistan, Israel, Armenia, Azerbaijan, etc.) and politicians, especially for the years 2025 and 2026. His main achievements, cited by his supporters, include:
Middle East Ceasefires: His role in the ceasefire and hostage release process between Israel and Hamas in 2025.
Regional Agreements: His diplomatic contributions to the peace processes between Armenia and Azerbaijan and Congo and Rwanda.
Abraham Accords: Normalization steps taken between Israel and some Arab countries during his first term.
Anti-War Rhetoric: In his own words, being a leader who “does not start new wars and tries to end existing ones.” 3. Obstacles and Criticisms to Receiving the Nobel Prize
As you mentioned, those who oppose the idea of Trump receiving the Nobel Prize also have very strong arguments:
Responsibility in Humanitarian Tragedies: It is argued that the military support provided by the US in the destruction in regions such as Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria contradicts the “peace” criterion.
Style and Polarization: The Nobel Committee generally prefers names that set a “moral example” and are unifying. Trump’s harsh language, aggressive attitude towards international institutions (such as the UN and NATO), and “unpredictability” do not align with this tradition.
Political Reaction: Polls conducted within the US (according to September 2025 data) show that a large majority of the public, 76%, believes he does not deserve this award.
- Outcome and Probability
The fact that controversial figures (such as Henry Kissinger or Barack Obama) have previously received the Nobel Peace Prize shows that nothing is “impossible.” However, the Nobel Committee is an independent body and generally bases its decisions on contributions to long-term “stable peace.”
In short: While Trump’s “negotiation and results” focused diplomacy may be seen by some states as a “success” worthy of reward, the humanitarian consequences of his policies and his personal profile are in deep conflict with the “universal morality and human rights” values that the Nobel Prize represents.
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