Washington:The White House on Thursday hailed President Donald Trump as “The Peace President,” even as Trump himself appeared doubtful about his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite claiming credit for settling “seven” major global conflicts, the US President suggested that the Norwegian Nobel Committee might “find a reason not to” award him the honour he believes he deserves.
The remarks came shortly after Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, following several days of indirect negotiations in Cairo. Responding to a question about his Nobel prospects, the President said, “I have no idea… Marco [Secretary of State Rubio] would tell you we settled seven wars. We’re close to settling an eighth. I think we’ll end up settling the Russia situation. I don’t think anybody in history has settled that many.”
The White House promptly shared an image of the President captioned, “The Peace President,” emphasising his diplomatic record and positioning him as a global peacemaker. Trump, however, remained cautious, repeating that the Nobel Committee “might not give it to me, even if I deserve it.”
President Trump has long been vocal about his desire for the Nobel Peace Prize, often questioning why his predecessor, Barack Obama, received it during his first year in office. He argues that his administration’s foreign policy achievements - particularly his claimed efforts in brokering peace in the Middle East and defusing conflicts elsewhere - far surpass those of past leaders.
Trump has frequently asserted that he helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan, although New Delhi has consistently denied Washington’s involvement. India maintains that the ceasefire followed a direct military-level communication initiated by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations, not through US mediation.
Several countries, including Pakistan, have nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Islamabad announced in June that it would recommend his name for “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis.” However, critics argue that many of these nominations came well after the official deadline of January 31.
Despite global scepticism, the White House continues to frame Trump’s peace efforts as historic. Whether the Nobel Committee agrees, however, will be revealed when it announces this year’s Peace Prize recipient on Friday.
