White House responds after Trump loses Nobel Peace Prize but insisted he ‘deserves’ it

The White House has responded after Donald Trump failed to win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which was instead awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her fight to restore democracy in her country.

The announcement was made in Oslo, Norway, on Friday, October 10, following weeks of speculation that Trump might receive the honor. Despite growing anticipation, the former president was not chosen, prompting a swift statement from the administration.

Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, criticized the decision, saying the Nobel Committee “placed politics over peace.” He added that President Trump would continue working toward global peace and humanitarian goals, calling him a leader who “can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.”

While Trump and his supporters argued he deserved recognition, Nobel Peace Prize historian Asle Sveen told ABC News that Trump had “no chance” of winning. He pointed out that Alfred Nobel’s will states the prize should go to those who best promote fellowship among nations.

Nina Graeger, Director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, echoed that sentiment, explaining that Trump’s record did not align with the prize’s principles. His nomination had largely stemmed from his own public claims that he merited the award.

In past remarks, Trump insisted his diplomacy had prevented wars, even claiming, “I’ve ended six wars.” He frequently suggested the committee was biased against him.

When announcing Machado’s win, the Nobel Committee highlighted the link between democracy and lasting peace, praising her commitment to a nonviolent transition from dictatorship to democracy.