Why Donald Trump didn't win the Nobel Peace Prize: Commiittee's rationale

Oslo (Uttam Hindu News): The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan pro-democracy leader Maria Corina Machado, ignoring a strong bid from former US President Donald Trump. The committee awarded the prize for Machado's courageous and peaceful struggle against dictatorship in Venezuela.

"For the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced into hiding. Despite grave threats to her life, she remained in the country, a decision that has inspired millions," the Nobel Committee said in its statement. The committee added that it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who stand up for them when authoritarian forces prevail.

Following the announcement of the award, committee chairman Jørgen Watne Friednes was directly questioned about Donald Trump's claims. Trump has been campaigning for months that he deserves the award for preventing "eight wars" in eight months, and that not receiving the award would be an insult to America.

Chairman Friedness responded bluntly, saying, "The Nobel Committee has faced all kinds of campaigns and media pressure in its long history. We make our decisions independently of any outside influence, based solely on the will and work of Alfred Nobel." His statement is being seen as a clear message to the Trump campaign.

A total of 338 nominations were received for this year's Peace Prize, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations. Last year, the prestigious award was given to Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors' movement.