Donald Trump Loses Out On Nobel Peace Prize 2025

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, ending weeks of speculation and dismissing U.S. President Donald Trump’s pursuit of the award. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized Machado for her unwavering efforts to defend democratic rights and promote a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.

The decision shines a spotlight on Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement and on Machado, 58, who has faced bans, threats, and harassment under Nicolás Maduro’s government. Despite being barred from the 2024 presidential race, she continued leading opposition efforts while in hiding and urging nonviolent resistance.

Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes described the award as a tribute to democratic resilience, emphasizing the committee’s independence amid political pressures and Trump’s vocal campaign for recognition.

Trump, who has long sought the Nobel, argued that his diplomatic achievements—such as Middle East peace efforts—deserved the honor. However, the committee had finalized its decision before recent developments, and its rules prevent last-minute political influence.

The Nobel Institute received 338 nominations this year, with deliberations conducted confidentially. Reports suggest that while Trump’s lobbying drew attention, Machado’s long-standing commitment to peaceful activism ultimately carried the day.

Machado, previously honored with the Sakharov and Václav Havel prizes, dedicated the Nobel to the “entire movement” fighting for Venezuela’s freedom, reflecting her belief in collective courage and peaceful change.

The award reinforces the committee’s focus on human rights and democracy, recognizing Machado as a symbol of moral strength in a country struggling for liberty and justice.