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| Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize A Dream, or a Real Possibility |
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to peace, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. Names like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai are often associated with this honor. But in recent years, one controversial nomination sparked global debate: Donald J. Trump, former President of the United States.
Could Donald Trump truly be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize? Or is the very idea just political fantasy?
Donald Trump was nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize by conservative politicians, particularly in Europe and the U.S. These nominations were based on several diplomatic initiatives:
Abraham Accords (2020): Trump played a key role in brokering normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
North Korea Diplomacy (2018–2019): Trump became the first sitting U.S. President to meet a North Korean leader, initiating dialogue with Kim Jong-un.
Reduction in U.S. Military Engagements: He pursued troop withdrawals from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
These actions were cited by his supporters as reasons he deserved recognition.
Abraham Accords: The accords marked a significant step in Middle East diplomacy. Some argue that normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states could reduce regional tension long-term.
Unconventional Diplomacy: Trump broke with diplomatic norms to engage directly with adversaries like North Korea, shaking up decades of stagnant U.S. foreign policy.
No New Wars: During his presidency, the U.S. did not enter any new major military conflicts — a first in many decades.
Lack of Lasting Peace: Critics argue that while the Abraham Accords were historic, they did not solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — the core issue in the region.
Deterioration of Global Alliances: Trump's "America First" approach alienated NATO allies and weakened international cooperation in diplomacy, climate, and human rights.
Divisive Rhetoric and Domestic Violence: His inflammatory language, especially during the 2020 election, led to increased social unrest and culminated in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Undermining Democratic Norms: Many believe awarding a peace prize to someone accused of threatening democratic institutions would devalue the award’s legacy.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a Norwegian committee, and nominations do not imply endorsement. Over 300 individuals or organizations are nominated each year. Anyone meeting basic criteria (including lawmakers and academics) can submit a nomination.
Being nominated is not rare, and Trump’s nominations — while notable — were not considered strong contenders by the Nobel Committee itself.
Awarding Trump the Peace Prize would place him in the same category as:
Barack Obama (2009) – for efforts to strengthen diplomacy (awarded preemptively, which was controversial).
Nelson Mandela (1993) – for ending apartheid and promoting reconciliation.
Mother Teresa (1979) – for humanitarian work.
Critics argue that Trump’s record does not meet the moral and diplomatic standards set by these figures.
The idea of awarding Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize is more dream than reality — at least by traditional standards. While he made bold moves in international relations, his legacy is too controversial and polarizing, and many of his actions did not lead to lasting peace.
