🔗 Share this article

The US administration has strongly condemned the Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to bestow the prestigious peace award to someone other than the former US leader.

Immediate Reaction Following Prize Announcement

Following the prize revelation that Venezuelan activist the Venezuelan opposition leader had earned the international recognition, key staffers to the American leader attacked the Norwegian committee as politicized while the Scandinavian nation anticipated a possible official reaction from the US administration.

"The selection panel showed they value politics above peaceful efforts," wrote a Trump aide.

Trump will "continue making diplomatic solutions, halting conflicts, and protecting civilians," he added. "He possesses the heart of a diplomat, and there will never be another like him who can achieve the impossible with the absolute strength of his determination."

Background of Trump's Nobel Efforts

Trump had openly, though contemptuously, advocated for the prize, spearheading a Gaza conflict resolution before the recent declaration by the international awarding body – a factor that international negotiators and experienced mediators said was influential in his timeline for a ceasefire.

The US leader had also appealed to top Scandinavian diplomats and was endorsed for the honor by his supporters, who appeared in media this week to insist that the selection body recognize Trump for his efforts in Gaza.

Panel's Statement on Anti-Democratic Trends

In its declaration, the selection panel attacked the rising tide of political repression in Venezuela and in states around the globe. The sentiment was rapidly seized upon by Trump's critics, who interpreted it as a fairly obvious dig at the American leader's use of the military in American cities and actions on his adversaries at within the country.

"Whenever authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to acknowledge brave advocates of liberty who emerge and resist," the committee stated. "Democracy depends on people who voice opposition, who take brave stands despite grave risk, and who make us aware that liberty must never be taken for granted, but must continuously be protected – with speech, with bravery and with persistence."

Analyst Views on the Situation

A senior research fellow, a senior fellow for the region at the research organization, suspected Trump would be "displeased" by the outcome.

"He had campaigned publicly for this peace prize, even overstating his involvement to peace worldwide. He has utilized considerable military capabilities at substantial diplomatic price to him, quite frankly, off the coast of Venezuela. And then the thing he really wanted gets awarded from him by the person he is reportedly defending. I can't see how this will be received positively for a leader who wears personal grievance on his openly."

The expert suspected Nicolás Maduro's administration would be displeased about Machado's award. "But it may even be – given the former president's likely private feelings to this – that it could even function a somewhat to their benefit."