Norwegian Govt fears how Trump would react if not given Nobel Peace Prize

With hours left to announce the Nobel Peace Prize, amid Trump’s vouching for the honour and boasting about his achievement in halting several wars, including a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the Norwegian government seemed a little uncomfortable about how he would react to his ambition being publicly overlooked, as reports suggest the Nobel Committee had already shortlisted five even before the ceasefire deal was announced.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee confirmed that its decision on this year’s laureate had been made several days before the truce under the US president’s Gaza plan, implying that the developments were unlikely to affect the outcome, according to The Guardian.

Political observers in Norway expressed concern that Trump’s volatile temperament and record of unpredictable responses could lead to diplomatic tension between the United States and Norway if he is not awarded the prize.

Norwegian politicians acknowledged the possibility of repercussions, as many experts and commentators believe it is highly improbable that Trump will receive the award, given the timing of the committee’s decision and the composition of its independent five-member panel.

Members of Norway’s Socialist Left and Green parties remarked that while the Nobel Committee operates entirely independently from the Norwegian government, the distinction may not be well understood abroad, particularly by leaders such as Trump, whose confrontational style has often challenged institutional boundaries.

They also noted that Trump’s recent behaviour—ranging from attacks on democratic institutions to exaggerated claims about his diplomatic achievements—did not reflect the sustained commitment that the Peace Prize seeks to recognise.

Analysts in Oslo further warned that Trump’s reaction, should he be overlooked, could manifest in various forms of retaliation, such as economic measures, demands for increased NATO contributions, or more aggressive rhetoric towards Norway. Commentators suggested that the episode might test Norway’s diplomatic resilience, given Trump’s history of publicly questioning the independence of international institutions and his disdain for perceived slights.

Officials at the Norwegian Nobel Institute reiterated that the committee’s decisions are apolitical, although the appointment of its members by the Norwegian parliament—as stipulated in Alfred Nobel’s will—can create the appearance of political influence.

Meanwhile, peace research experts identified the Sudanese Emergency Response Rooms, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom as the leading contenders for this year’s Peace Prize.