White House Communications Director Steven Cheung has voiced strong criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee following their recent decision to award the prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The committee overlooked President Donald Trump, who had been nominated for his notable efforts in peace negotiations, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As reported by the New York Post, Machado received recognition for her opposition to Nicolás Maduro’s government.
This decision is perplexing to many, especially in light of Trump’s announcement regarding a deal he successfully brokered, which is anticipated to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the return of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In Tel Aviv, family members of Hamas hostages rallied in Hostages Square, chanting, “Nobel Prize to Trump,” according to the Times of Israel. This grassroots support appears to underscore a belief that Trump’s contributions to peace have been significant yet unrecognized.
Cheung took to X, disparaging the committee’s choice. “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will,” he stated. According to Cheung, the Nobel Committee has prioritized politics over true peace, a sentiment that resonates with many who believe in the former president’s diplomatic efforts.
Trump himself has expressed skepticism about ever receiving the prize. “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize,” he said in February, as reported by The New York Times. While acknowledging his achievements, he added, “It’s too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.” His comments reflect a belief that his contributions go unrecognized in the political sphere.
Earlier in June, Trump reiterated this sentiment in a social media post, predicting that regardless of his diplomatic actions, he would not be awarded the prize. “No, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,” he wrote, citing his involvement in conflicts in Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Iran. “The people know, and that’s all that matters to me!” This quote highlights his focus on public perception over accolades.
During his address to the United Nations in October, Trump pointedly referenced the Nobel Prize. He stated, “Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize for each one of these achievements,” further emphasizing his belief that saving lives is his ultimate achievement, rather than winning awards. “What I care about is not winning prizes, it’s saving lives,” he asserted, clearly prioritizing humanitarian efforts over personal recognition.
In a striking comparison, Trump referred to former President Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, which many have criticized as unmerited. “He got a prize for doing nothing,” Trump remarked. This critique reflects a sentiment that the Nobel Committee’s decisions often reflect political biases rather than tangible contributions to peace. Trump went on to highlight his accomplishments, claiming, “I’ve stopped eight wars, so that’s never happened before.” He concluded with a resolute statement regarding his motivations: “I know this: I didn’t do it for that, I did it because I saved a lot of lives.”
As the debate over the Nobel Peace Prize continues, it remains clear that Trump’s supporters view his diplomatic efforts as deserving of recognition. Whether or not he ever receives such accolades, his focus seems unwaveringly set on achieving peace and improving lives worldwide.
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