SYRACUSE (RAJEEV SHARMA): US President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of the Nobel Peace Prize selection process, arguing that he deserved to receive the honour eight times for conflicts he says he helped bring to an end.
Speaking at a rally in Syracuse on Friday, Trump accused Norway of damaging the prize’s reputation by overlooking him. He also claimed that his diplomatic efforts had prevented millions of deaths, citing tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan as one example.
Trump said the decision not to award him the prize was an embarrassment for the United States and criticised those responsible for selecting the recipient.
“The United States of America, represented by me as your president, should have received the Nobel Peace Prize, but didn’t,” he said, describing the outcome as an “indelible stain” on the country.
Trump Cites India-Pakistan Tensions
During his address, Trump claimed that he had saved 50 million lives by preventing a war between India and Pakistan. He presented the episode as evidence of his efforts to reduce international conflict.
However, his estimate of the number of lives saved was not independently substantiated in the remarks provided. His account of his diplomatic role in easing tensions between the two South Asian neighbours has also been a subject of public debate.
India has traditionally maintained that issues with Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally, while accounts of the role played by outside diplomatic intervention have differed.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted his claimed role in resolving international disputes as a central part of his argument for receiving the peace award.
President Attacks Nobel Selection Decision
The US president went on to question the credibility of the Nobel Peace Prize, accusing the selection process of being influenced by what he called ideological opponents.
He said the United States would remember the decision and argued that overlooking his claimed diplomatic achievements had undermined the award’s standing.
Trump’s remarks reflect his longstanding frustration over not receiving the distinction, which recognises individuals and organisations for contributions to peace.
Navi Pillay Named as Award Recipient
According to the account of the announcement, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist and former United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay. Trump dismissed her recognition, claiming that she was largely unknown.
Pillay has held senior positions in international human rights institutions and has spent decades working in the field of human rights and international justice.
The contrasting reactions to the award have renewed discussion about the criteria used to recognise contributions to peace and the role of diplomatic achievements in the selection process.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to argue that his administration’s efforts to address conflicts merit international recognition, maintaining that the Nobel committee overlooked what he considers significant contributions to global stability.
