Trump’s Nobel dream shattered

October 12, 2025

Abhishek Vij

These days, Nobel Prizes are being announced in various categories. The US President was keen to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which he never received despite repeated requests. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Machado has been named as the recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Maria has relentlessly fought to protect democratic rights in Venezuela. For the past twenty years, she has been fighting for the strengthening of democracy.

Announcing the award for Maria, the Nobel Committee stated that at a time when dictatorship is on the rise and democracy is weakening in many parts of the world, the courage of people like Maria Machado offers hope.

The Committee also stated that democracy is the prerequisite for lasting peace. When power suppresses the people through violence and fear, it becomes necessary to honor such courageous individuals. Maria Machado’s popularity is such that even Donald Trump himself once referred to her as a freedom fighter. Machado, who has been in hiding in the country for more than a year, is also known as Venezuela’s Iron Lady. She has worked to privatize the oil industry, reconnect with international financial institutions, and rebuild the economy. Machado founded the organization Sumate, which works to improve democracy. She has been demanding free and fair elections in the country.

On the other hand, the irritation between the United States and Trump over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize was clearly visible. Trump had long been a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize, but the Nobel Committee did not consider him worthy of the award. In response, the United States has accused the Nobel Committee of bias. A White House spokesperson said that the Nobel Committee prioritized politics over peace. However, there may be other reasons why Trump has not been awarded the Nobel Prize. For example, the deadline for nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize was January 31, 2025. The nomination process runs from February 1 to January 31 of the following year. Nominations for the Nobel Prize closed just 11 days after Trump’s re-election on January 20, 2025.

What could Trump have accomplished in such a short time to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? Trump has consistently claimed that his efforts have led to seven peace agreements. Now, his latest effort is to broker a peace agreement between Israel, Hamas, and Palestine. There is no doubt that Netanyahu agreed to peace through Trump’s efforts, but the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes upon discovering a Hamas terrorist hideout. While Trump was announcing that a ceasefire would be implemented as soon as the Israeli government approved the draft agreement being prepared, the Israeli military launched a massive airstrike on Gaza City. A multi-story building collapsed in the Sabra area of Gaza City, burying more than 40 people under the rubble.

The Israeli military (IDF) immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it targeted Hamas terrorists. We believe that a ceasefire must be reached, regardless of who is making the effort. Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, 67,000 people have died, including 20,000 children. People are facing starvation and displacement. The search for lasting peace, development, and a better life continues in Gaza.