In the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Donald Trump told reporters he believes he deserves the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize after "settling eight wars," a claim that could shake the committee's reputation for honoring those he thinks he has done. He added that he remains uncertain of the committee's choice, noting that the award announcement is due Friday, October 9. Trump reminded listeners that last time the prize was given to a recipient who reportedly handed it back to him.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that his diplomatic efforts since taking office closed conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. He said, "I’ve done stuff that nobody else has ever done. No president has probably ever settled any wars. I settled eight wars," using the slogan to bolster his narrative. The claim follows a pattern of self‑promotion, a trait critics say echoes his campaign rhetoric.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute responded that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or revoked, and that laureates may decide how to use the prize money. "A Nobel Prize cannot be revoked nor transferred to others," spokesperson Erik Aasheim said after the remarks. The statement underscores that even if Trump were named, the prize would remain with the officially selected laureate.
The committee will finalize its decision on Friday, and the award ceremony is scheduled for December 10. Trump's remarks come amid a broader debate over the legitimacy of his peace claims, with former President Barack Obama, who received the prize in 2009, cited by Trump as a comparison. The international community will watch the committee's announcement closely, as it could influence perceptions of U.S. diplomatic influence.