UPDATE: The Nobel Prize committee has officially snubbed former President Donald Trump in its latest announcement, awarding the prestigious peace prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Committee chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes addressed Trump’s campaign for the award, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to integrity and courage in selecting laureates.
In a statement released earlier today, Frydnes stated, “In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen any type of campaign, media attention.” He further elaborated, “We base our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” underscoring that past winners epitomize the qualities of courage and integrity.
Machado, who dedicated her award to the struggle of the Venezuelan people and acknowledged Trump’s support, expressed gratitude on X, stating, “We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.”
Despite Trump’s lack of recognition, his allies have strongly defended his candidacy. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) criticized the Nobel committee, stating, “The woke Nobel Committee gave Obama a peace prize for doing nothing.” White House communications director Stephen Cheung echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Trump continues to make significant peace deals. Cheung declared, “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives.”
Trump himself has not commented on Machado’s dedication of the prize to him but previously referred to her as a “freedom fighter” in a post on Truth Social earlier this year. He praised Venezuelan democracy activists for their courage amid ongoing struggles against the regime, emphasizing the overwhelming support from the Venezuelan American community for a free Venezuela.
The Nobel Prize committee announced its decision today, following the January 31 nomination deadline, leaving no room for Trump’s earlier claims regarding his contributions, including the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
This development has sparked widespread reactions across political spectrums, with many supporters expressing disappointment over the committee’s decision. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on both Trump and Machado to see how this recognition will impact Venezuelan politics and U.S. foreign policy moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story as it develops.