Donald Trumps Nobel Peace Prize Quest A Diplomatic Drama

By Syed Shayan for SyedShayan.com

On June 24 2025 former President Donald Trump suffered a major diplomatic setback when Oleksandr Merezhko head of Ukraines parliamentary foreign affairs committee formally withdrew his nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Merezhko who had nominated Trump in November 2024 cited irreparable damage to Ukraine caused by Trumps policies. In a scathing statement to the press he declared that he no longer trusted Trumps ability to foster peace accusing him of relying on empty promises. The withdrawal removed Trump from the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize shortlist dealing a severe blow to his global diplomatic credibility.

Merezhkos initial nomination had been based on the hope that Trump could mediate an end to the Russia Ukraine conflict. However by mid 2025 with no tangible progress toward a ceasefire Merezhko reversed course formally requesting the Nobel Committee to rescind his endorsement. The decision sent shockwaves through international circles intensifying scrutiny of Trumps foreign policy legacy.

In a remarkable twist however the same day brought a surprising countermove. U.S. Representative Buddy Carter a Republican from Georgias coastal district submitted a fresh nomination for Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Carter lauded Trumps historic role in resolving the 12 day Iran Israel conflict and his strategic diplomacy in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Carter argued that Trumps leadership extended beyond the Middle East positively influencing conflicts between Pakistan and India as well as in Rwanda and Congo. President Trumps efforts fully align with the Nobel Peace Prizes core mission of advancing peace preventing war and fostering global harmony Carter stated.

This extraordinary sequence a nomination withdrawn and reinstated on the same day may mark a historic first in the Nobel Committees 124 year legacy.

Complicating matters just three days earlier on June 21 2025 Pakistan had also nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize a move that initially seemed to bolster his prospects. Trump appeared encouraged by Pakistans endorsement perhaps seeing it as a fallback should Ukraines support falter. However the narrative shifted when Merezhkos withdrawal was accompanied by sharp criticism of Trumps detrimental impact on Ukraine. Meanwhile U.S. media highlighted Pakistans apparent duplicity while nominating Trump for the Nobel senior Pakistani officials and prominent figures publicly condemned his administrations actions regarding Iran. This contradiction raised concerns that Pakistans support could become more of a liability than an asset.

Trump keenly aware of the risks likely realized that if Pakistan yielded to domestic pressure and withdrew its nomination mirroring Ukraines move it could further jeopardize his Nobel ambitions. Moreover the Nobel Committee a five member nonpartisan body overseen by the Norwegian Parliament evaluates nominations based not only on intent but also on the nominators credibility transparency and impartiality. Pakistans endorsement faces significant challenges in this regard. In Norway and much of Europe Pakistan is often viewed as a state with a fragile democracy limited media freedom and questionable diplomatic autonomy. For instance Freedom Houses 2025 report classified Pakistan as partly free noting pressures on media and civil society. Similarly European Union reports have criticized Pakistans human rights and governance record. These factors could undermine the credibility of Pakistans nomination in the eyes of the Nobel Committee which prioritizes neutrality and moral integrity.

Analysts suggest that Pakistans nomination of Trump risks inviting skepticism about its motives. Western media and Nobel Committee members may question whether the endorsement reflects a genuine commitment to peace or serves a broader political agenda. If such doubts prevail Trumps aspiration to become a Nobel Laureate may remain an unattainable dream.

To be continued in Part 4