UPDATE: Congressman Derrick Van Orden expressed intense outrage over former President Donald Trump being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize during a fiery appearance on Newsmax. The prestigious award was given to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee on September 29, 2023.
This announcement has sparked heated debates, with Van Orden claiming the committee “couldn’t handle a strong, America-first leader.” In a passionate rant, he criticized the institution for failing to recognize Trump’s significant contributions to global peace.
During the broadcast on Newsmax’s Conversations with Nancy Brinker, Van Orden stated, “It’s shocking and so in your face. This guy has done more for world peace in nine months than any president in the history of the United States. Period.” His comments came just a day after the Nobel Committee made its decision, indicating a growing discontent among Trump’s supporters.
“The ultimate judge is gonna be God, not some committee in Europe,”
said host Ed Henry, highlighting the sentiments shared by many of Trump’s allies who believe his peace efforts in the Middle East and potential resolution of the war in Ukraine warrant recognition.
Van Orden echoed these sentiments, asserting that the world views Trump as a formidable force for peace, even if the Nobel Committee does not. “They sure do,” he affirmed, lamenting the committee’s failure to award the former president.
In his remarks, Van Orden further criticized the Nobel Peace Prize as undeserving of Trump, stating, “Unfortunately he’s not a globalist, and he’s not some fancy guy that’s in these circles that are getting rewarded constantly through the international community.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among Trump’s supporters who feel his America-first policies are undervalued on the global stage.
In response to the backlash, committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes addressed the controversy surrounding Trump. He noted the numerous campaigns and media attention surrounding the Nobel Prize and emphasized that the committee bases its decisions solely on the legacy of Alfred Nobel. “This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity,” he remarked.
As the debate continues, Trump’s allies remain steadfast in their belief that his contributions to peace, particularly in the Middle East and potentially in Ukraine, deserve recognition. The fallout from this year’s Nobel Prize announcement is likely to resonate within political circles, further intensifying discussions about the criteria and selections for such significant honors.
This developing story highlights the growing divide between traditional institutions and the supporters of leaders like Trump, who challenge the status quo. As reactions unfold, it remains to be seen how this will affect Trump’s ongoing political legacy and his supporters’ sentiments moving forward.