White House Criticizes Nobel Committee After Trump Overlooked for Peace Prize in Favor of Venezuelan Activist

The White House expressed strong disapproval following Venezuelan pro-democracy activist Maria Corina Machado's selection for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize - an honor Donald Trump had actively sought for himself based on unsubstantiated claims of resolving international conflicts, including the India-Pakistan dispute.

"Once again, the Nobel Committee has proved they place politics over peace," declared White House spokesperson Steven Cheung on Friday evening. "President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will."

Trump himself has remained silent on the matter, though a forceful response is anticipated soon.

Earlier that day in Oslo, the Nobel Committee announced Machado as the recipient of this year's million-dollar award. The 58-year-old conservative opposition leader - who endured months in hiding due to death threats - was recognized as a 'key, unifying figure' standing against a 'brutal' Venezuelan regime.

"Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country... a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist," stated Nobel Committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes.

Regarding Trump's exclusion, Frydnes explained that the committee was guided by the 'courage and integrity' displayed by previous laureates. "I think this committee has seen (every) type of campaign (and) media attention..." he remarked, indirectly referencing the White House's push for Trump's nomination.

Trump had asserted that his administration served as the focal point for peace agreements worldwide during his second term's first nine months. He even claimed that negotiations to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's war in Gaza had commenced before his January inauguration.

Nine months later, neither conflict has concluded. Russia has maintained its position despite Trump's pressure. However, some relief has come to Gaza following the implementation of the initial phase of Trump's ceasefire proposal this week.

Trump also purported to have resolved the conflict between India and Pakistan that erupted after Operation Sindoor, the military response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

India has categorically denied any involvement by Trump in ending hostilities with Pakistan in May, affirming that the conflict ceased only after a direct request from Pakistan.

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