In Washington, a fresh round of reactions poured in after the Nobel Committee chose Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado for the 2024 Peace Prize, bypassing former U.S. President Donald Trump.
White House pushes back
Steven Cheung, the President’s aide‑to‑the‑President and Director of Communications, blasted the decision on the social platform X. He said that Trump “will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives” and accused the committee of putting politics ahead of peace. Cheung stressed that Trump’s “heart of a humanitarian” should have earned him the award.
Trump’s own claims
Although the nomination deadline passed on January 31, just 11 days into Trump’s second term, the former president has repeatedly voiced a desire for the accolade. He points to diplomatic moves he says ended several international conflicts, such as the Ukraine war and the Gaza situation. Trump asserted that he halted “eight wars” in nine months—a claim he repeated during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Thursday.
International voices join the debate
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added weight to the criticism. Posting on X, he called for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, noting that the former U.S. leader’s “Gaza Peace Plan” had helped shape a cease‑fire between Hamas and Israel. Netanyahu’s demand echoed a broader international push for a more inclusive recognition of peace efforts.
Trump takes aim at Obama
During his discussion with Stubb, Trump also targeted former president Barack Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for diplomatic diplomacy. Trump claimed Obama “did nothing” and that the prize was undeserved, branding him as a “bad” president. He also brought up current President Joe Biden, labeling him even worse. Obama had responded to the award’s controversy with humility, noting its first‑time nature in his acceptance speech.
Why the Nobel Committee chose Machado
For the committee, Machado’s role in fighting for democracy and human rights in a country plagued by authoritarian rule and political repression made her the winner. Her selection underscores the committee’s focus on resistance against oppression, not just diplomatic negotiations.
The fallout
The White House’s immediate condemnation, coupled with Trump’s on‑air criticism and Netanyahu’s call, has amplified media coverage. Meanwhile, the U.S. public remains split, with some supporting the committee’s choice and others championing Trump’s claim to moral authority. The debate continues to signal how the Nobel Peace Prize can spark controversy when it does not align with external expectations.
Source: ianslive
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