Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated former U.S. President Donald J. Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, citing what he described as Trump’s contributions to global diplomacy and peace-building efforts.
The announcement was made during a dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on Monday, July 7, 2025, where Netanyahu personally handed Trump a copy of the nomination letter addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
“It’s nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well-deserved. And you should get it,” Netanyahu told Trump in front of reporters.
“Wow,” Trump replied, visibly pleased. “Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful. Thank you very much, Bibi.”
Netanyahu based the nomination on Trump’s past and recent international efforts, including:
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The Abraham Accords (2020), which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.
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His involvement in ceasefire negotiations between:
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Israel and Iran
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India and Pakistan
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Serbia and Kosovo
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Egypt and Ethiopia
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Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda
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In a recent Truth Social post, Trump expressed frustration about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite what he described as “historic achievements in conflict resolution.”
“I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do… but the people know, and that’s all that matters to me,” Trump wrote.
Netanyahu’s nomination has triggered sharp criticism both in Israel and abroad, particularly in light of his government’s military actions in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023, has reportedly led to the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to independent estimates. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Former U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Tommy Vietor wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Obviously this is pathetic a– kissing and a PR stunt. I’d imagine that the folks who award the Nobel Peace Prize aren’t the biggest Netanyahu fans.”
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod also commented:
“All of them; Netanyahu, Putin, the sultans and princes have solved the least difficult puzzle to solve on the planet. With Trump, lavish flattery and blandishments will get you everywhere.”
A TNC (The News Chronicle) correspondent spoke with political observers and residents in Abuja, Nigeria, who shared mixed reactions.
“Netanyahu’s suggestion is laughable,” said one respondent, who identified as a current affairs enthusiast. “ Considering how much uproar Trump has caused globally; with Mexico, South Africa, Canada, Iran… He’s been indulging Netanyahu’s war crimes against the Palestinian people, showing little regard for diplomacy.”
Another interviewee added:
“He may be a good president but He’s more focused on his agenda for America than the global interests of other countries. So no, Trump can’t get a Nobel Peace Prize.”
Other Nominations for Trump
Netanyahu is not the first to nominate Trump in 2025. Other notable nominations include:
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Pakistan: For Trump’s alleged role in mediating recent tensions with India.
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Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA): For his involvement in a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
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Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA): Submitted nominations earlier this year.
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Prof. Anat Alon-Beck (Case Western Reserve University, U.S.): Submitted before the February 1, 2025 deadline.
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Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker, also nominated Trump in November 2024 but withdrew the nomination in June 2025, citing disappointment in Trump’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Eligibility and Nomination Rules
According to the Nobel Foundation, eligible nominators include:
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Heads of state
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Members of national governments
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University professors in humanities or social sciences
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Directors of peace institutes
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Former laureates
Netanyahu qualifies under these criteria, though the Nobel Committee does not confirm or publish nominations, keeping all submissions confidential for 50 years.
There are 338 confirmed nominees for the 2025 prize. The recipient will be announced in October.
Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize
Trump has openly envied Barack Obama, who was awarded the prize in 2009, just months after taking office.
“Obama got the Nobel Prize. He didn’t even know what the hell he got it for. I got elected too,” Trump said during his 2024 campaign.
Trump has also previously been nominated by individuals and groups in Japan, Norway, Australia, Finland, and the U.S., dating back to 2016.
The Nobel Committee is expected to make its final announcement in October 2025 in Oslo, Norway.
