United States President Donald Trump has insisted that Norway controls who gets the Nobel Prize, despite widespread clarification that the award is independently decided. Trump told reporters that he “doesn’t care” about the Nobel Prize, emphasising that his focus remains on other priorities, including “saving lives.”
Eko Hot News reports that the U.S. President made the remarks following a visit to the White House by Venezuelan Nobel Peace laureate María Corina Machado, who presented him with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal. Trump expressed appreciation for the gesture but maintained that Norway exerts influence over the award, asserting that the matter is not of personal concern.
Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, has previously clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, not by the government itself. Støre stated that he explained this to Trump, highlighting the official separation between Norway’s political offices and the Nobel selection process.
Observers note that Trump’s claim contradicts the formal process established by the Nobel Foundation, which ensures that committee members, rather than government officials, select laureates based on merit and global impact. Experts emphasise that the Norwegian government does not interfere with the decisions of the Nobel Committee.
Despite the official clarification, Trump remained firm in his position, underscoring a continued narrative that Norway exerts control over the prize. His comments have sparked discussions among political analysts and international observers about the intersection of perception, recognition, and global awards.
The controversy arrives amid heightened public interest in Nobel laureates and global diplomatic recognition. Analysts suggest that such statements by world leaders, even if inaccurate, can influence public perception and highlight the symbolic importance of prestigious awards like the Nobel Peace Prize.
