U.S. President Donald Trump has once again been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize — this time by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious honors, awarded to individuals or organizations that make significant efforts to promote peace and cooperation between nations.
In a letter to the Nobel Committee, which he shared publicly, Netanyahu praised Trump for showing “steadfast and exceptional dedication to promoting peace, security, and stability around the world.” Trump, who is currently involved in efforts to help broker a ceasefire in the Middle East, has been nominated for the prize in the past as well.
Pakistan said in June it would recommend Trump for the prize for his work in helping to resolve a conflict between India and Pakistan.
PM Netanyahu’s nomination of Trump has generated scepticism in some quarters, including from former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt, who said on X that Netanyahu was seeking to flatter Trump.
If Trump won the prize, he would be the fifth US president to do so, after Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.
Here is a look at how the award works:
📜 Who’s Eligible?
The rules for eligibility come directly from the will of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite. According to his wishes, the prize should go to someone “who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the promotion of peace congresses.”
That means any living person or active institution can qualify—regardless of status or profession. As Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Peace Prize Committee, puts it:
“In practice, anyone can be the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. History shows it’s been awarded to people from all layers of society around the world.”
✍️ How Nominations Work
Nominations for the Peace Prize close each year in January, long before the announcement in October. So while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently nominated Donald Trump, it will only be considered for the 2026 prize, not this year’s.
Interestingly, thousands of people can submit nominations—heads of state, members of parliaments, university professors, and past laureates among them. But one thing is clear: you can’t nominate yourself.
While the Nobel Committee keeps official nominee lists sealed for 50 years, there’s no rule against someone publicizing who they nominated. That’s why names like Trump often make headlines, even before the committee makes a decision.
🧑⚖️ How Is the Winner Chosen?
The final decision lies with the Norwegian Nobel Committee, made up of five members appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. These individuals often come from political backgrounds, but not always. The current chair leads the Norwegian branch of PEN International, a global organization that defends freedom of expression.
In February, the committee holds its first meeting and can add its own nominations. From there, a shortlist is drawn up, and candidates are thoroughly evaluated by expert advisers. Although the committee aims for a unanimous decision, it can settle by majority vote if needed. The winner is usually picked just days before the official announcement.
In 2025, there are 338 nominees: 244 individuals and 94 organizations.
⚖️ Politics and Controversy
The Nobel Peace Prize is no stranger to controversy. Some past recipients have been praised, others questioned. The official website even acknowledges that some winners have been “highly controversial political actors.”
For example:
Barack Obama won the prize in 2009 just months after becoming president.
In 1973, the award was shared by Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho for negotiating the end of the Vietnam War—sparking two committee resignations.
One member also resigned in 1994 when the prize went jointly to Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin for their efforts in the Middle East peace process.
🏆 What Does the Winner Receive?
The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize receives:
A gold medal
A Nobel diploma
11 million Swedish crowns (roughly $1.15 million)
And global recognition—if they don’t already have it
📅 Important Dates
Announcement: October 10, 2025
Award Ceremony: December 10, 2025, at Oslo City Hall—marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death
