In the often political theater of Nobel Peace Prize nominations, Donald Trump’s latest bid unraveled in a matter of hours—nominated by one lawmaker, only to be withdrawn moments later by another. What happened, and what does it mean for his global peacemaking narrative?
The Dramatic Unraveling of Trump’s Nobel Hopes
| What Happened | Stat/Detail |
|---|---|
| Trump gained and lost a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in less than 24 hours | June 24, 2025 |
| Ukrainian lawmaker withdrew support, citing “lost faith” | Oleksandr Merezhko, June 2025 |
| Iran airstrikes sparked global backlash | Mid-June 2025 |
Trump’s Nobel journey this June wasn’t just a headline—it was a case study in how swiftly global narratives can shift. One moment, he’s lauded for diplomacy; the next, condemned for military aggression. In the end, peace is more than a moment. It’s a mission—and consistency matters.
A Nomination Gone in a Flash
On June 24, 2025, former President Donald Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Republican Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia. The reason? Carter cited Trump’s role in negotiating a short-lived ceasefire between Israel and Iran—a flashpoint moment that seemingly avoided nuclear escalation.
But that same day, Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko publicly withdrew his prior nomination of Trump. His reason? Merezhko said he had “lost any sort of faith and belief” in Trump’s ability to bring lasting peace, especially after recent U.S.-led airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“It’s like nominating a firefighter who lit the match,” one diplomat quipped on background.
What Sparked the Withdrawal?
Disappointment in Ukraine
Back in November 2024, Merezhko submitted Trump’s name, hopeful the former president could mediate an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia. Trump had publicly claimed he could “end the war in 24 hours.” But over time, his attention shifted elsewhere.
Instead of diplomacy in Eastern Europe, Trump ramped up military action in the Middle East, frustrating allies and undermining the image of a peace broker.
Airstrikes in Iran
Then came the tipping point—airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in mid-June. That military escalation was the final straw for Merezhko and others who viewed Trump’s actions as more hawkish than humanitarian. “You can’t campaign for peace while dropping bombs,” he said in a statement.
Praise from the Other Side
Not everyone saw the nomination as misguided.
Rep. Carter doubled down, claiming Trump’s diplomacy had brought “stability” to traditionally volatile regions. He referenced negotiations that briefly cooled tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as the brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
In fact, officials in Pakistan also submitted a separate nomination praising Trump’s role in calming cross-border hostilities. But the optics of nominating someone days after bombing a sovereign nation? That didn’t sit well with many.
“Blood, bombs and a Nobel?” read one headline in Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, summing up the mood on the ground.
The Nobel Committee: Nominations ≠ Endorsements
It’s worth remembering that any lawmaker, professor, or diplomat can nominate someone for a Nobel Peace Prize. That means the list of nominees is often a mix of heroes, political figures, and long shots.
Trump has been nominated several times before, including for his role in the Abraham Accords and in facilitating peace talks between Serbia and Kosovo. But none have yet translated into a win. As Vox columnist Ed Kilgore recently noted, “This is less about peace and more about politics.”
What Happens Now?
The Nobel Committee will continue reviewing nominations through the fall. The final decision is expected in October 2025. Trump’s name is still in the mix—but the dramatic withdrawal and international criticism may weigh heavily.
He could still secure the prize, but he’ll have to overcome a growing perception that his peace efforts are undermined by contradictory actions.
FAQs
How can someone be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize?
Nominations can come from lawmakers, professors, judges, and former laureates. There’s no vetting process until the committee begins reviewing them.
Can a nomination be withdrawn?
Yes. As seen with Oleksandr Merezhko, nominators can publicly rescind their support if they feel the candidate no longer aligns with the prize’s intent.
Has Trump ever won before?
No. Despite multiple nominations, Donald Trump has not won a Nobel Peace Prize.
