On Friday, October 10, 2025, the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a decision that prompted a sharp rebuke from the White House after President Donald Trump, who had aggressively lobbied for the award, was passed over .
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded its prestigious Peace Prize to María Corina Machado for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela" and her struggle to achieve a peaceful transition from dictatorship . The committee described her as a "brave and committed champion of peace" who kept "the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness" .
In response, White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that the "Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace" by not selecting President Trump . He added that "President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives" and praised him as having "the heart of a humanitarian" . Despite the White House's criticism, Machado herself dedicated the prize "to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!" . President Trump subsequently called Machado to congratulate her on her win .
President Trump has been vocal about his desire for the Nobel Peace Prize during both his presidential terms, frequently touting his role in brokering international deals . A key achievement he highlighted was the Gaza ceasefire deal announced just days before the Nobel decision . The White House called him "the peace president" and Trump himself declared "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS" after the ceasefire was announced .
Trump has claimed to have ended numerous global conflicts, though some of these assertions are disputed . He has also expressed skepticism about ever receiving the award, stating recently, "Will you get the Nobel Prize? Absolutely not. They'll give it to some guy that didn't do a damn thing" . He has been particularly critical of former President Barack Obama winning the prize in 2009, claiming it was given "for doing absolutely nothing but destroying our country" .
A significant procedural hurdle worked against Trump's nomination for the 2025 award. The deadline for nominations was January 31, which fell just 11 days after he was sworn in for his second term on January 20, 2025 . While some nominations for Trump were submitted, many were received after the deadline had passed .
The Nobel Committee maintains that its decisions are based solely on the will of Alfred Nobel, focusing on the work of the laureates. Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes noted that the committee is used to receiving thousands of letters and various campaigns, but its room "is filled with both courage and integrity," implying decisions are made independently of external pressure .