Trump Renews Nobel Peace Prize Bid, But Admits Award May Elude Him

US President Donald Trump has said he believes he should receive the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, while acknowledging that he is uncertain whether the Norwegian Nobel Committee will select him.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said the committee's decision was difficult to predict and suggested that its past choices made him doubtful about his own chances. The winner is due to be announced on Friday.

Trump Cites Role In International Conflicts

Trump argued that his involvement in several international conflicts since returning to the White House justified recognition with the peace prize. He has repeatedly claimed credit for helping address eight conflicts since taking office in January 2025.

Leaders from Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan have publicly said they nominated Trump, although such nominations cannot be independently verified because the Nobel Committee does not disclose nominees for 50 years.

Maria Corina Machado Gave Trump Her Medal

Trump also referred to an unusual gesture by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. After receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, Machado gave her medal to Trump in January while seeking US support for her political efforts in Venezuela.

Trump described the gesture as an indirect recognition of his role in international affairs.

Ukraine Peace Efforts Remain Unresolved

Trump's comments come despite the lack of a peace agreement ending Russia's war in Ukraine, which he had previously promised to resolve early in his second term.

Meanwhile, the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has continued for months, contributing to disruptions in global energy markets and higher fuel prices. Some of the conflicts Trump has cited as examples of his diplomatic efforts have also seen renewed fighting, according to Reuters.

Nobel Announcement Due Friday

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is scheduled to announce the 2026 Peace Prize on October 9. The committee received 287 candidates for this year's award, including individuals and organisations. The identities of the nominees are generally kept confidential for five decades.

Trump's latest comments come just two days before the announcement, as attention remains focused on the committee's eventual decision and the range of individuals and organisations being considered for the award.