With hours to go until the announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, Norwegian officials are bracing for potential fallout from US-Norway relations if Donald Trump is not awarded the prestigious honor. Amid speculation and political concerns, the Nobel Committee’s decision remains a closely watched issue.
What Happened
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced earlier this week that the 2025 Peace Prize laureate would be revealed on Monday, October 9, 2025. This decision was made before Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, which was backed by US President Donald Trump in his efforts to address the Gaza conflict. While Trump has long maintained his belief that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, most experts and observers feel it’s unlikely that he will receive it this year.
Norwegian officials, including Kirsti Bergstø, leader of the Socialist Left Party, expressed concern about Trump’s potential reaction if he is overlooked. Bergstø stated that Norway must be “prepared for anything” due to Trump’s volatile and unpredictable behavior, which could escalate tensions between the US and Norway. “When the president is this volatile and authoritarian, of course, we have to be prepared for anything,” Bergstø said.
Trump’s Claim for the Prize
Trump has long voiced his belief that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Barack Obama, who was awarded the prize in 2009 for his efforts in international diplomacy. In July, Trump reportedly contacted Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s finance minister, to inquire about the possibility of receiving the prize. Additionally, during a UN speech in September, Trump claimed to have ended seven “unendable wars” and asserted that “everyone says I should get the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Despite these assertions, many critics argue that Trump’s actions, such as his withdrawal from international agreements and his approach to internal issues in the US, disqualify him from receiving the honor. Arild Hermstad, leader of the Green Party of Norway, stressed that peace prizes should be awarded based on sustained commitment, not “social media tantrums” or political posturing.
Speculation and Possible Repercussions
While the Nobel Committee maintains its independence in awarding the Peace Prize, concerns about possible backlash from Trump remain high. Experts like Harald Stanghelle, a columnist and analyst, suggested that retribution from Trump could involve economic measures, such as tariffs or demands for higher NATO contributions, or even more severe political consequences. “It’s very difficult to explain to Donald Trump or to many other countries in the world that it is a totally independent committee,” Stanghelle noted.
Despite the concerns, Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, reassured the public that the committee acts independently, though it remains subject to the political appointment of its members by the Norwegian parliament.
Most Likely Candidates
Although Trump has been associated with the recent ceasefire in Gaza, experts believe that the most likely candidates for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize are organizations and groups that have made sustained, positive contributions to global peace. These include Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
Nina Græger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, pointed out that while Trump’s involvement in the Gaza ceasefire deserves recognition, it is premature to consider his actions as a lasting peace effort. Additionally, his actions on the global stage—such as his withdrawal from international institutions and attempts to acquire Greenland—do not align with the principles outlined in Alfred Nobel’s will.
Conclusion
As the Nobel Peace Prize announcement approaches, the possibility of Trump being overlooked has led to widespread speculation about the political consequences for US-Norway relations. While the outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the Nobel Peace Prize continues to be a powerful symbol of international diplomacy and the pursuit of lasting peace.
This story may be updated with more information as the announcement and its aftermath unfold.
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