Donald Trump has been suggesting for months that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. The President of the United States claimed that his actions contributed to ending “seven endless wars” and would consider the lack of recognition an “insult to the United States.” He also allegedly called Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO secretary general, to ask about his chances of receiving the award.
Ultimately, however, the Norwegian Nobel Committee decided that this year's winner will be Maria Corina Machado. The Venezuelan oppositionist was honored for her tireless work for the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and for fighting for a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
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Donald Trump was counting on the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee did not bow to the pressure
During the press conference after the announcement of the decision, journalists asked the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Joergen Watne Frydenes, about pressure from Donald Trump.
— In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, the committee has seen all kinds of campaigns. We received thousands of letters from people who wrote about what for them leads to peace. The committee sits in a room full of portraits of the winners. In a room full of courage and moral integrity. We base our decisions solely on the work and will of Alfred Nobel, emphasized Frydenes, quoted by the BBC.
The head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee has already emphasized that massive campaigns and attempts to put pressure on the committee members have no influence on their decisions.
“It does not matter whether a person is nominated for the award hundreds of times. Sometimes one letter with one signature is enough for the candidacy to make a great impression on the Committee. We are immune to influence. Even if the American president called me personally, I will not answer his phone until this year's winner is announced,” Frydenes announced in recent days in an interview with the Norwegian daily VG.
