The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce its 2026 Peace Prize winner on October 9, already keeping President Donald Trump off the shortlist after his relentless lobbying last year. The five‑member panel, known for its rigorous deliberations, weighed Trump’s influence heavily. Gjerloew, the committee’s acting director, said the decision must resist political pressure.
Last year, the prize went to Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, a move that shocked the world when she later presented her gold medal to Trump in a plea for support. Machado’s gesture underscored the extent of Trump’s meddling in the award’s process.
Gjerloew warned that awarding a laureate could expose them to Trump’s influence, potentially undermining the prize’s integrity. He suggested options like Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, or UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese.
Pope Leo, the first US‑born pontiff, has championed dialogue amid the US‑Iran conflict and criticized Trump’s "weak" remarks, positioning him as a symbolic candidate for the prize. His recent encyclical on AI and humanitarian work further bolsters his appeal.
Albanese faces criticism from the US and Israel for her stance on Gaza, while the ICC risks sanctions from Washington. The committee’s choice will signal its stance on liberal democracy and international law.
With the announcement slated for October 9, the Nobel Committee is poised to deliver a verdict that balances political pressure with the prize’s core values.