The chairman of the committee that awards the Nobel Peace Prize took a jab at President Trump on Friday, hinting that the commander in chief didn’t deserve the award despite ending several wars and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
However, the person who snagged the award — Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Cornia Machado — dedicated her honor to Mr. Trump for his efforts to fight the dictatorship of President Nicholas Maduro.
Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes was asked about the campaigning among Mr. Trump’s allies for him to receive the award, with even the president saying it would insult the U.S. if he didn’t win it.
Mr. Frydnes responded by suggesting that Mr. Trump’s qualifications were meritless.
“In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen many types of campaign, media attention,” Mr. Frydnes said without directly referencing Mr. Trump.
“We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what, for them, leads to peace. This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates, and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” he said.
SEE ALSO: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize
The deadline to apply for the award is Jan. 31, which would have been days into Mr. Trump’s second term. Mr. Frydnes could have pointed out that Mr. Trump’s feats came after the deadline, rather than suggesting he was undeserving.
Ms. Machado, who lives in hiding, was blocked in 2024 by Venezuela’s courts from running to challenge Mr. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013.
“We are on the threshold of victory today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy,” she wrote on X. “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!”
Several Trump allies complained about the choice, arguing he was more deserving and blaming the committee’s politics for the decision.
“In just a few months, he has brought peace to the world, brokering historic deals to end wars that have lasted for decades. Not to mention we’ve seen countless world leaders call for his nomination to receive this great honor. I hope the Committee will take this into consideration when selecting the next award winner — it should be @POTUS,” Sen. Rick Scott, Florida Republican, wrote on X.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the award “lost credibility” for snubbing Mr. Trump.
“The committee discussed the prize for people who have done nothing for the world. He solves complex problems, crises that last for decades,” Mr. Putin said.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung accused the committee of “putting politics over peace,” adding in a statement, “He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.”
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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