The Nobel Peace Prize has once again captured global attention, this time because of US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he deserves the award. Norway, home to the Nobel Committee, is reportedly bracing for possible fallout if Trump does not win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
Norway on Edge Over Peace Prize Decision
According to a report, Norwegian politicians are wary of potential repercussions for US-Norway relations. The Nobel Committee reportedly finalized its decision on the 2025 laureate days before the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which formed part of Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan. Despite this, many experts believe that the Nobel Committee will likely not choose Trump as a winner, which raises concerns about how he might react.
Kirsti Bergstø, leader of Norway’s Socialist Left party and its foreign policy spokesperson, told the news site that the country must “be prepared for anything.” She highlighted that Trump leads in a volatile and authoritarian manner, meaning he could take unexpected actions if he feels the Nobel Committee overlooks him.
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Bergstø added that the Norwegian government does not determine the prizes because the Nobel Committee acts independently, but she is not sure that Trump understands this. “We have to be prepared for anything from him,” she said.
Trump’s Public Push for the Nobel Peace Prize
Trump has repeatedly sought the Nobel Peace Prize publicly, sometimes criticizing former US President Barack Obama for being a laureate. He has claimed that Obama was a poor president and implied that he himself is more deserving of the award.
In July, Trump reportedly called Norway’s finance minister and Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO secretary-general, to inquire about the Nobel Peace Prize. At the United Nations, he claimed that he had ended multiple wars and suggested that “everyone” agrees he should receive the honor.
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Most recently, Trump stated that he had ended seven wars and was in the process of ending an eighth. He included the India-Pakistan conflict among these, although New Delhi has repeatedly denied any involvement from Trump in the ceasefire negotiations. The Indian government clarified that no third party, including the United States, played a role in the talks.
Norwegian political figures have expressed concerns over Trump’s approach. Arild Hermstad, leader of the Green Party, emphasized that the Nobel Committee awards the Peace Prize for sustained commitment to peace, not for “social media tantrums” or intimidation. Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, also noted that the committee acts independently from political pressures.
Potential Repercussions for Norway
Experts and analysts in Norway are now considering possible consequences if Trump does not win the Nobel Peace Prize. Columnist Harald Stanghelle warned that Trump’s reaction could include economic and political measures such as tariffs, demands for higher NATO contributions, or even public declarations against Norway.
While many view the idea of Trump winning the 2025 Peace Prize as unlikely, Norwegian officials are preparing for various scenarios. The concern reflects the unusual intersection of politics and an international award, as Norway typically maintains strict neutrality in the Nobel selection process.
The situation highlights broader anxieties over how political figures might respond to perceived slights on the international stage. It also underscores the global attention that the Nobel Peace Prize commands, not only as a symbol of achievement but also as a potential source of political tension.
Norwegian authorities have stated that they are taking precautions and monitoring the situation closely, but the government has reiterated that it does not influence the Nobel Committee’s decisions.
