Trump May Influence 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Decision, Experts Say
Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize amid debate over the 2026 award.
US President Donald Trump is unlikely to receive this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, but his influence could still shape the debate surrounding the award, according to experts cited by Reuters.
The five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2026 laureate on October 9. Experts say the committee may consider how its decision could affect the recipient’s ability to withstand political pressure.
Haakon Gjerloew, acting director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, said last year’s events could influence the committee’s deliberations.
He pointed to the 2025 award to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Machado later gave her Nobel medal to Trump in an effort to gain support for her campaign for democratic change in Venezuela.
Committee Faces Pressure
Gjerloew said the committee could consider whether choosing a particular recipient might expose that person to pressure from Trump.
He said the committee may weigh whether its decision could ultimately do more harm than good.
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The comments come as Trump remains involved in the US conflict with Iran. His administration has also faced disagreements with several international institutions and figures.
Experts have identified several possible recipients, including Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. These names reflect expert speculation rather than confirmed finalists.
Pope Leo Among Possible Names
Pope Leo has repeatedly called for dialogue and peaceful solutions to international conflicts. During a recent visit to France, he also urged Russia and Ukraine to pursue negotiations to end their war.
Reuters reported that the pope has drawn Trump’s criticism after speaking against the US conflict with Iran. Experts cited by Reuters said his advocacy for dialogue, humanitarian issues and peace could support his candidacy.
Another potential choice is Francesca Albanese, who has faced criticism from the United States and Israel over her positions on Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Other Possible Recipients
The committee could also consider international institutions such as the International Criminal Court or International Court of Justice, according to experts cited by Reuters.
Other possibilities include Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a network of community groups providing humanitarian assistance during the country’s civil war, and Save the Children.
The Nobel Peace Prize committee has not publicly confirmed a final shortlist. The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 9.
