Something rather unexpected unfolded at a recent White House dinner. During what was likely meant to be a standard evening of diplomacy and discussion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the opportunity to formally nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The gesture, according to The Daily Beast, caught Trump off guard—in a good way.
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Known for his vocal admiration of the Nobel Peace Prize and past frustrations over not winning one, Trump responded with warmth and gratitude, calling the surprise move ‘very meaningful.’ The moment marked another chapter in Trump’s ongoing relationship with the prestigious international award.
Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
As first reported by The Daily Beast, Netanyahu’s announcement came during a private dinner at the White House, where the Israeli leader commended Trump’s efforts in international diplomacy.
Specifically, he acknowledged Trump’s role in reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and supporting key peace initiatives. By nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, Netanyahu praised what he sees as significant contributions to global stability.
Trump’s reaction was immediate and notably appreciative. He expressed how much the nomination meant to him, especially coming directly from Netanyahu, a long-time political ally. While this isn’t Trump’s first time being nominated, the timing and nature of this particular endorsement seemed to hold special weight.
Netanyahu’s move adds to a growing list of global figures who have recognised Trump in this context. Past nominations have reportedly come from leaders in Japan, Pakistan, and African nations such as Guinea-Bissau and Gabon, according to Vanity Fair. Whether or not the nomination progresses into an actual award, the symbolism was enough to capture international attention.
Trump’s longstanding desire to win like Obama did
President Trump’s interest in the Nobel Peace Prize isn’t new. Vanity Fair notes, he has publicly voiced frustration multiple times over not receiving the award—especially given that President Barack Obama won it early in his term, something Trump has brought up repeatedly.
From press conferences to campaign rallies, Trump has often compared his international efforts—such as peace deals in the Middle East and the normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab nations—to those of past laureates.
One of the earliest and most well-known instances of this was in 2019, when Trump claimed that Shinzo Abe, then Japan’s Prime Minister, had submitted his name for consideration.
In more recent remarks, Trump has suggested that the Nobel committee is biased or politically motivated, hinting that recognition has eluded him not because of merit but because of who he is. His sentiment is that his efforts in diplomacy have gone unacknowledged despite what he views as clear eligibility.
The latest nomination from Netanyahu could offer a sense of validation, especially as Trump heads into the 2026 political cycle still focused on legacy and international stature. Whether the Nobel Committee will ultimately agree remains uncertain.
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Sources used:
The Daily Beast: Trump’s Fawning Reply to Benjamin Netanyahu’s Nobel Peace Prize Surprise
Vanity Fair: All the Times Trump Complained About Not Getting a Nobel Peace Prize
