By Peter Omopo | October 9, 2025 | Washington
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism about his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, even as the White House described him as “The Peace President” following the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said he doubted that the Norwegian Nobel Committee would award him the prestigious honour, despite what he described as his record of resolving multiple global conflicts.
“I have no idea,” Trump said when asked about his chances. “Marco (Secretary of State Marco Rubio) would tell you we settled seven wars. We’re close to settling an eighth. I think we’ll end up settling the Russia situation. I don’t think anybody in history has settled that many.”
The comments came shortly after Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, following several days of indirect negotiations in Egypt.
Trump’s Doubt and the White House’s Confidence
While Trump appeared doubtful about his prospects, the White House released a photograph of him on social media with the caption, “The Peace President.” Officials close to the administration have described the ceasefire breakthrough as a major diplomatic victory, further cementing Trump’s image as a global peace negotiator.
Despite this, Trump expressed concern that the Nobel Committee would “find a reason” not to give him the prize, even though several countries—including Pakistan—have nominated him.
“Perhaps they’ll find a reason not to give it to me,” Trump remarked, in reference to the upcoming Nobel announcement scheduled for Friday.
Pakistan Among Countries Nominating Trump
Pakistan’s government had in June formally announced its decision to recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the India–Pakistan crisis earlier in the year.
The nomination followed Trump’s claim that he brokered peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours after a tense military confrontation in May. However, India publicly denied the assertion, stating that the ceasefire followed direct talks between the two countries’ military commanders, without U.S. involvement.
A Longstanding Ambition
Trump has frequently voiced his desire for the Nobel Peace Prize, often contrasting his record with that of former President Barack Obama, who received the award in 2009—his first year in office.
“I’ve probably done more for peace than anybody,” Trump has said in past interviews, citing his administration’s diplomatic engagements in the Middle East, Korea, and Eastern Europe.
Several of Trump’s allies and supporters have repeatedly nominated him for the award, even beyond the January 31 submission deadline. He was previously nominated during his first term but did not win.
As global anticipation builds ahead of Friday’s announcement in Oslo, Trump maintains his mix of optimism and suspicion—insisting he deserves recognition for his peace initiatives but warning that politics may once again deny him the honour he believes is rightfully his.
