Trump Says Nobel Peace Prize Snub Leaves ‘Indelible Stain’ on Norway

US President Donald Trump has criticised Norway after missing out on the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, describing the decision to award the honour to South African jurist Navi Pillay as “disgraceful and embarrassing” and an “indelible stain” on the Scandinavian country.

Trump made the remarks at a rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, October 9, hours after the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Pillay as this year’s laureate. He argued that the award should have gone to him or the United States, which he said he represented as president.

“I never heard of this particular person, but congratulations anyway,” Trump said, referring to Pillay. He also warned Norway that the decision would not be forgotten.

According to Reuters and the Associated Press, Trump repeated his claims that he had helped resolve eight wars and prevented other conflicts from breaking out. He argued that his diplomatic efforts made him deserving of the prestigious award, although his role in resolving some of the conflicts he cited has been disputed.

Pillay, 85, was recognised for her work promoting international law and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. A former United Nations high commissioner for human rights and an experienced international jurist, she has served in several international judicial and human rights roles.

The Nobel Committee highlighted her efforts to hold powerful individuals and governments accountable under international law. Her work has included leading a United Nations commission that concluded Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, an allegation Israel rejects.

The committee’s decision came amid growing international disagreements over the role of international justice institutions. On the same day Pillay was announced as the laureate, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, further intensifying tensions between Washington and institutions involved in prosecuting alleged international crimes.

Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Last year, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who received the award, later presented her medal to Trump during a visit to the White House. The Nobel Committee has previously clarified that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to another person.

Despite Trump’s criticism, the Norwegian Nobel Committee operates independently of the Norwegian government. Its members are appointed by Norway’s parliament, but the committee makes its own decisions on the award.

The committee’s chair, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, defended the institution’s mission in comments reported by The Washington Post, saying the prize recognises people who work towards a more comprehensive international legal order and a more peaceful world.

Pillay welcomed the award and dedicated it to survivors of war crimes. She has also spoken about the importance of defending international justice amid pressure on courts and institutions tasked with investigating serious violations.

Trump’s latest remarks add to his longstanding frustration over being overlooked for the award and highlight the widening dispute between his administration and international legal institutions.