Norway Braces For Fallout After Trump Loses Nobel Peace Prize To Venezuelan Politician

Soon after the Nobel Peace Prize announcement on Friday (10 October), Norway — the nation that houses the independent Nobel Committee — found itself at the centre of social media buzz, as users predicted diplomatic sparks over Donald Trump’s loss of the award, NDTV reported.

Venezuelan opposition politician María Corina Machado has won the Nobel peace prize.

The Nobel committee commended Machado as a “brave and committed champion of peace” who “keeps the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness”.

The 2025 Nobel Committee faced unusual global attention following an aggressive public and behind-the-scenes campaign led by Donald Trump.

The US president has repeatedly expressed resentment that four of his predecessors — including Barack Obama — have already claimed the honour.

However, with the panel's announcement, Norway may now face the dual task of defending the committee’s neutrality while bracing for potential diplomatic aftershocks — ranging from heated statements to scrutiny over its foreign relations.

According to media reports, Norway is quietly preparing for Trump’s possible wrath, should the reaction escalate beyond words.

According to The Guardian, Norway is “bracing for Trump’s reaction” after his Nobel Peace Prize loss, with speculation that the US president might retaliate through tariffs, heightened NATO pressure, or even labeling Norway an enemy.

Social media users echoed this sentiment with humor and sarcasm.

“How dare the Nobel Committee exclude Chickening out President Trump @realDonaldTrump from the race? Tariff on Norway is unstoppable now,” wrote one user.

The Nobel Peace Prize, founded in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will, is awarded to individuals who make the greatest contribution toward international fellowship, demilitarisation, and the promotion of global peace initiatives.

Nominations for the prize close on 31 January each year, with eligibility extended to cabinet ministers, heads of state, international court members, university professors, past laureates, and select Nobel Committee representatives.

Following the nomination deadline, the Norwegian Nobel Committee undertakes a months-long review process — forming a shortlist, consulting experts, and striving for consensus.

When unanimity fails, a majority vote decides the laureate, announced each October in Oslo.

For the 2025 award, Donald Trump received nominations from several individuals, including Malta’s Foreign Minister, who credited him for mediating peace talks in the Middle East and helping ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Trump also claimed to have reduced friction between India and Pakistan — a statement India refuted, clarifying that Operation Sindoor ended only after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations requested a cease.

The US President further claimed that his diplomacy ended hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia and helped de-escalate tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, the Nobel Peace Prize has historically recognized sustained, verifiable peace-building rather than isolated acts of diplomacy.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, independent by statute, continues to value enduring contributions over fleeting negotiations.

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Also Read: Trump’s Hopes Dashed As Nobel Peace Prize Goes To Venezuelan Politician Maria Corina Machado