US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, describing the decision not to award him the honour as disgraceful and embarrassing, and accusing those responsible of damaging Norway’s reputation.
Trump made the remarks hours after the Nobel committee announced that this year’s prize had been awarded to Navi Pillay, a former International Criminal Court judge who oversaw a United Nations report concluding that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, Trump dismissed Pillay as a “mystery person” and questioned her recognition by the committee.
“I never heard of the person. Nobody did,” he said.
Trump has repeatedly expressed disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize during his presidency, arguing that his diplomatic efforts and involvement in international conflicts have earned him recognition.
On Friday, he described the decision as “an indelible stain on the country of Norway and those people that made such a disgraceful and embarrassing decision”.
The US president also listed several international disputes in which he claimed to have helped prevent wars, including tensions between North and South Korea, Japan and North Korea, and China and Taiwan. He did not provide evidence to support those claims during his remarks.
Trump went on to accuse the Nobel Peace Prize of losing its credibility, saying it had been discredited by people he described as radical ideologues opposed to democracy.
“The Nobel Peace Prize has been forever discredited by a handful of radical ideologues who are anti-democracy and really enemies of civilization. And we will not forget, Norway,” he said.
The award is administered by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects the recipient each year. Although Norway hosts the committee, the prize is awarded by an independent body rather than the Norwegian government.
Pillay’s selection comes amid continuing international debate over the war in Gaza and the legal and political implications of allegations of genocide against Israel. Israel has rejected accusations that it committed genocide.
The Nobel Peace Prize is among the world’s most prominent international honours, recognising individuals and organisations considered to have made significant contributions to peace.
Trump has frequently highlighted his diplomatic initiatives and claimed credit for helping resolve international disputes. His latest comments reflect his continued frustration over being overlooked for the award, despite his repeated public assertions that his record merits recognition.
The Nobel committee’s decision has once again placed the prize at the centre of political debate, with Trump directing his criticism at both the selection and Norway, where the award process is based.
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