The Nobel Paradox: Why Trump’s Biggest Strengths Are His Weaknesses

Donald Trump’s campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize presents a fascinating paradox. The very qualities that his supporters see as strengths—his disruptive diplomacy and “America First” deal-making—are viewed as significant liabilities by Nobel experts. His name dominates bookmakers’ odds and media chatter, but the committee in Oslo operates on a different set of principles.
The primary basis for his nomination is the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements he brokered to normalize ties between Israel and several Arab states. This achievement, for which U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney formally nominated him, is hailed by his allies as a historic breakthrough in a long-intractable region. Trump himself points to this and other actions, claiming to have “ended seven wars” and deserving of the prestigious award.
However, Nobel watchers argue that the committee’s criteria go beyond a single diplomatic achievement. They prioritize a commitment to international fraternity and the slow, patient work of building lasting peace through multilateral institutions. This is where Trump’s record becomes problematic. His administration was marked by a withdrawal from key international bodies and agreements, a stance that experts believe runs counter to the spirit of the prize.
Theo Zenou, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, notes the committee’s focus on the durability of peace. He suggests there’s a “huge difference between getting fighting to stop in the short-term and resolving the root causes of the conflict.” Moreover, Trump’s skepticism on climate change is seen as a major stumbling block, as the issue is increasingly viewed as a critical long-term threat to global peace and stability.
Finally, Trump’s public clamoring for the prize may do more harm than good. The Nobel committee values discretion and is sensitive to accusations of political influence, a lesson learned from the criticism following Barack Obama’s 2009 win. By openly demanding the award, Trump may be inadvertently convincing the committee to look elsewhere, solidifying his status as a long-shot candidate despite the headlines.