US President Donald Trump has expressed gratitude to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his reaction to the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision not to award the US president its famed Peace Prize.
Since assuming office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly claimed his efforts in mediating international conflicts, including recent actions in Gaza, warrant the honor. During a speech in Dushanbe on Friday, Putin noted that the Nobel Committee has a history of awarding individuals who “did nothing for peace,” undermining the prize’s credibility. He highlighted Trump’s mediation between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East and his efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot of Putin’s remarks, writing: “Thank you to President Putin!”
The Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition politician Maria Corina Machado “for her tireless advocacy of democratic freedoms in Venezuela.” The Caracas government has accused Machado of receiving US funding for “fascist” anti-government groups.
A White House communications director criticized the committee’s decision, stating its members “place politics over peace,” and praised Trump as a “humanitarian” with unparalleled determination.
