With hours left before the announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, Norwegian officials are preparing for possible diplomatic repercussions if the award is not given to Donald Trump.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee confirmed on Thursday that its decision for the 2025 laureate was finalized on Monday, days before Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire under the U.S. president’s Gaza proposal.
Given the timing and the independent nature of the five-member panel, most experts and observers believe it is improbable Trump will receive the prize. This has raised concerns in Norway about how he might respond to being publicly passed over.
Kirsti Bergstø, head of Norway’s Socialist Left party and its foreign affairs spokesperson, said the country must brace for any reaction.
“Donald Trump is pushing the U.S. toward extreme policies, undermining free speech, deploying unmarked security forces to detain people, and weakening democratic institutions. When a leader is this unpredictable and assertive, we must be ready for any response,” Bergstø told *CuriosityNews*.
“The Nobel Committee operates independently, and the Norwegian government has no role in its decisions. But I doubt Trump understands that. We have to prepare for any outcome.”
Trump has repeatedly expressed his belief that he deserves the peace prize, an honor previously awarded to former President Barack Obama in 2009 for his diplomatic efforts.
In July, Trump allegedly contacted Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s finance minister and former NATO chief, to inquire about the prize. Last month at the U.N., he falsely claimed to have ended multiple long-standing conflicts, stating, “Everyone says I should get the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Arild Hermstad, leader of Norway’s Green Party, emphasized that the prize’s integrity relies on the committee’s autonomy.
“Peace is achieved through consistent effort, not social media outbursts or pressure,” he said. “While Trump’s support for the recent ceasefire is a positive step, one action doesn’t undo years of policies that fueled conflict.”
Kristian Berg Harpviken, head of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, noted that the selection was completed at the committee’s final meeting.
Harpviken stated that the process remains free of political influence, though the appointment of members by Norway’s parliament—following Alfred Nobel’s original terms—could create outside perceptions of bias.
“I can confirm the committee operates with full independence,” he added.
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