On October 9, 2025, President Trump met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in the Oval Office, where he criticized former President Obama and the Nobel Committee. Trump asserted, “He got elected, and they gave it to Obama for doing absolutely nothing but destroying our country,” highlighting his belief that Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize was undeserved. He stated that both Obama and the current President, frequently referred to as “Sleepy Joe Biden,” did not measure up to his own performance in office.
During the bilateral meeting, Trump and Stubb finalized a deal for the United States to purchase 11 icebreaker Arctic Cutter ships. This acquisition aims to bolster the U.S. presence in the Arctic, a region increasingly contested by both China and Russia. Trump’s administration underscores the importance of maintaining American interests in these strategic waters.
In a moment of reflection, Trump discussed his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize following his announcement of a new deal between Israel and Hamas, which he claims could pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East. “Nobody’s done eight wars in 30 years, let alone nine months,” he remarked, emphasizing what he perceives as his unique achievements in conflict resolution.
Notably, Trump mentioned eight wars he has “solved” in a short time frame, expressing pride in his diplomatic efforts. This includes a peace deal with Israel and Hamas announced just prior to the Oval Office meeting. According to Trump, Israel is set to withdraw troops to a designated line, a significant step towards what he calls a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” He asserted that all hostages held by Hamas would be freed “very soon,” a claim that holds weight, as reports indicate there are 20 hostages remaining.
Trump’s ambitious plans do not stop at the Middle East; he indicated he is also focused on resolving the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “I think they’ll be coming to the table pretty soon,” he told reporters. This statement underscores his belief in a proactive approach to international relations, particularly in volatile regions.
As he discussed the implications of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump expressed deep concern for the humanitarian aspect. He mentioned the substantial loss of life in the conflict, highlighting the tragic toll on young soldiers. “7,000 people are dying a week,” he stated, recognizing the human cost of this ongoing struggle.
Trump’s reflections on the Nobel Peace Prize candidacy are colored by his perception of past recipients. When asked about Obama’s prize, he was blunt: “He got a prize for doing nothing. He didn’t even know why he got it.” Trump posited that his election was historically significant and deserved recognition, contrasting it with Obama’s experience.
As the date for the announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner approaches, Trump’s claims of having brokered unprecedented peace deals have added fuel to the conversation. His critics and supporters alike are watching closely to see how his international diplomacy will be recognized—or not—by the broader world.
Overall, Trump’s meeting with President Stubb illustrates his administration’s focus on expanding American influence abroad, particularly in strategic regions like the Arctic and the Middle East. His controversial statements and bold claims reflect his ongoing strategy to position himself as a peacemaker on the world stage.
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