Trump Slams Nobel Peace Prize: 'Indelible Stain' on Norway
Donald Trump criticized the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it "disgraceful" and an "indelible stain" on Norway, asserting he should have received it over Navi Pillay.
The Cliff News | 10 October 2026
United States President Donald Trump has vehemently criticized the recent Nobel Peace Prize announcement, labelling the decision as "disgraceful" and an "indelible stain" on Norway. Speaking at a rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, Trump argued that the prestigious award should have been bestowed upon him.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday that South African judge and human rights advocate Navi Pillay had won the prize. The award recognizes her extensive work combating war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Trump's Disagreement with Pillay's Award
Despite Pillay's significant contributions, Trump expressed his unfamiliarity with the laureate. "I never heard of this particular person, but congratulations anyway," he stated during the rally. He then asserted, "The United States of America, represented by me as your president, should have received the Nobel Peace Prize, but didn't."
The former president further elaborated on his feelings, stating that the choice of Pillay left "an indelible stain on the country of Norway." Trump has openly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize since returning to the White House in January 2025.
Criticism from Experts
However, experts in Oslo had previously cited several factors as disqualifying Trump from receiving the award. These included his ongoing conflict with Iran, his territorial expansion ambitions, particularly concerning Greenland, his stringent policies on migrants, and his public criticisms of multilateral institutions and the media.
The Nobel Peace Prize comes with a substantial reward, including a gold medal, a diploma, and a prize sum of $1.2 million.
Trump's Reaction to the Prize
Trump characterized the prize committee as being composed of "a handful of radical ideologues who are anti-democracy and really enemies of civilisation," suggesting the award had been "forever discredited."
Pillay's Response to Trump's Claims
In a moment of levity following the award announcement, Navi Pillay had reportedly joked about sharing her prize with Trump. Addressing an applauding crowd, she quipped, "If you clap a little bit more, I may share this prize with Trump."