Overview
- With the Peace Prize set to be announced Friday morning in Oslo, President Trump has openly campaigned for the honor, saying it would be an “insult” to the United States if he does not win.
- Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-mediated plan that includes a hostage–prisoner exchange and an Israeli troop pullback, an achievement Trump and his allies are touting.
- The Nobel Institute confirmed the committee held its final meeting on Monday, making it unlikely the late-week Gaza development will affect this year’s decision, and the nomination window closed Jan. 31.
- Public backers for Trump include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the governments of Pakistan and Cambodia, and Rep. Buddy Carter, though many endorsements came after the deadline; Rep. Claudia Tenney submitted a valid nomination earlier in the year.
- Scholars note the committee typically rewards sustained, quiet peace efforts, and fact-checkers dispute Trump’s claims that he “ended seven wars,” while Norwegian commentators say the country is bracing for possible political blowback if he is not selected.