The White House has criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding its 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelan pro-democracy leader María Corina Machado instead of U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing the body of “placing politics over peace.”
Announced on October 10, 2025, the Nobel Committee recognized Machado for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.” Despite the honor, the Trump administration argued that the president’s recent diplomatic efforts, including his role in brokering a multi-stage Gaza ceasefire, warranted the prize.
“President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives,” said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung in a statement on X. “The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace.”
Trump, who has long sought the prestigious recognition, reportedly called Machado to congratulate her, saying she deserved the award. Machado later praised Trump on X, dedicating her win to “the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause.”
The U.S. president’s push for the Nobel Prize has been a recurring theme throughout his political career. Supporters, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have publicly stated that Trump deserves the award for his peace initiatives.
However, the Nobel Committee’s nomination window closed on January 31—just days after Trump began his second term—making it unclear what achievements qualified him for this year’s consideration.
While Trump’s administration touts his ceasefire efforts in Gaza and diplomacy with global leaders, critics point to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and his controversial domestic policies, including mass deportations and the use of the National Guard in U.S. cities.
Historically, only four American presidents—Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama—have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite his disappointment, Trump vowed to “keep pursuing peace for all nations,” calling himself “the peace president.
