US President Donald Trump has criticised the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize decision after the award went to South African jurist Navi Pillay. He called the selection disgraceful and said it damaged Norway’s reputation. Trump made the remarks during a rally in Syracuse, New York, on October 9.
Trump criticises Nobel Peace Prize decision
Trump said the United States should have received the Nobel Peace Prize under his leadership. He argued that his efforts to address international conflicts deserved recognition. He also criticised the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects the winner. Trump described its decision as embarrassing and claimed the prize had lost credibility. He further accused the committee members of holding views opposed to democracy. These were Trump’s own claims about the decision. During his speech, Trump said he had never heard of Pillay before the announcement. He nevertheless offered her congratulations while continuing to challenge the committee’s choice. The comments renewed attention on Trump’s long-running desire to receive the prestigious international award.
Why Navi Pillay won the award
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay for her work promoting peace and international law. The committee highlighted her efforts to strengthen international justice and prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Pillay is a South African jurist and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She also served as a judge at the International Criminal Court and chaired a UN inquiry into the occupied Palestinian territory. Her work on international justice has drawn political criticism. A UN commission she chaired concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel has rejected that finding.
Trump says he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize
Trump has repeatedly argued that his role in international conflicts made him a deserving candidate. He has claimed credit for helping resolve several disputes, although some parties have challenged his account of those efforts. Before the announcement, Trump expressed doubts about receiving the award. He also pointed to support from leaders who said they had nominated him. However, nominations do not guarantee selection by the Nobel Committee.
The decision has renewed debate over the Nobel Peace Prize and the role of international law in resolving conflicts. Trump’s criticism highlights the political tensions surrounding the award. The committee, however, cited Pillay’s long career in human rights and international justice as the basis for its decision.
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