Trump Touts Nobel Prize as 'Indelible Stain' on Norway

Sat Oct 10 2026 08:17:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

President Trump declares the Nobel Peace Prize a stain on Norway and vows to remember it, sparking renewed tensions over the award to former ICC judge Navi Pillay.

Donald Trump slammed the recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay, calling the decision an "indelible stain" on Norway. He voiced his frustration at not receiving the award, repeating accusations that the committee favors pro‑activist figures and omits real peace‑makers. The President cited past disputes, including when the prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Pillay, lauded for her work against war crimes and genocide, reportedly thanked Trump while joking about sharing the prize. The white‑house also accused the Nobel Committee of politicising the award, insisting the prize cannot be revoked or transferred. Amid the remarks, Norway’s Prime Minister clarified the independent nature of the selection process.

Trump calls Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize a “stain” on the country

At a rally in Syracuse, New York, President Donald Trump loudly criticized the International Nobel Committee’s selection of former ICC judge Navi Pillay as the 2026 Peace Prize laureate. He said the decision was “disgraceful” and “embarrassing” and warned that it would “stay in remembrance.”

The former president repeatedly claimed he had “settled eight wars” and was on track to “settle or win two more,” though no evidence was offered to back the boasts. He also dismissed the award as a product of “radical ideologists who are anti‑democracy and enemies of civilisation.”

Pillay, who has led the Nobel Committee’s review of anti‑human‑rights crimes, was awarded the prize for her lifelong work in promoting peace and international law. In a light‑hearted moment, she jokingly offered to share the medal with Trump if he could “clap a little more.”

The White House’s spokesman recently retaliated, accusing the committee of putting “politics over peace.” The Committee defended itself, stating the outcome is final, irreversible, and not subject to transfer or revocation.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reiterated that the decision maker is an independent committee based in Norway, not the government itself. He urged the United States to respect the Nobel tradition while also emphasizing Norway’s commitment to peace and justice.