United States President Donald Trump on Friday responded to the announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, expressing both pride and disappointment after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was named this year’s laureate. During an interaction with reporters at the White House, President Trump claimed that Machado had contacted him by telephone soon after the announcement, allegedly stating she was accepting the award “in honour” of him. Trump remarked, “The person who got the Nobel Prize called me today and said, ‘I am accepting this in honour of you because you really deserved it.’ I didn’t say, ‘Give it to me’, though. I think she might have…” The President added that he had supported Machado repeatedly in her fight for democracy in Venezuela, especially during what he called “the disaster” faced by her country.

Trump, who had openly hoped for Nobel recognition this year, underlined that he had provided significant help to Venezuelan opposition groups. “I am happy because I saved millions of lives,” he said. The President highlighted his record in assisting peacemaking efforts globally, pointing out his role in international peace negotiations and responding to several conflicts. He reportedly told journalists that his efforts to “end seven wars” deserved equivalent recognition and argued that the committee should have honoured him for resolving multiple international disputes.

Prize Awarded to Maria Corina Machado for Democracy Advocacy

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, was recognised by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for her tireless work to promote democratic rights and a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. Praising her courage and commitment, the Committee described Machado as a “brave and committed champion of peace” and noted the significance of her struggle. “Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. However, we live in a world where democracy is in retreat, where more and more authoritarian regimes are challenging norms and resorting to violence. Machado has spent years working for the freedom of the Venezuelan people,” the committee said.

The Nobel Committee also commented on the broader context of threats faced by democracies worldwide, noting the increase in authoritarianism, repression, and the misuse of rule of law to silence dissent and free media. The statement highlighted Machado’s commitment to democratic ideals and asserted that her work demonstrated how “the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace.” According to the committee, Machado thoroughly met all three criteria mentioned in Alfred Nobel’s will for the selection of a Peace Prize laureate.

International Endorsement and Trump’s Broader Claims

President Trump, reflecting on his non-selection for the 2025 Peace Prize, tried to frame the recognition of Machado as closely connected to his own achievements in international affairs. At the media briefing, he said, “I should get a Nobel Prize for each one,” referring to seven international conflicts he claimed to have halted under his leadership, including situations in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Serbia, Israel, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Congo. He further linked his efforts to broader peacemaking claims, again referring to the Russia–Ukraine conflict that continues to attract global attention.

Adding to the discourse, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a public endorsement of Trump’s Nobel credentials. Through a post on social media platform X, he wrote, “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize – he deserves it!”. While the Norwegian Nobel Committee maintained their impartial stance and detailed the reasons behind Machado’s selection, Trump’s remarks ensured the US president remained at the centre of discussions surrounding one of the world’s most influential peace awards.