However, experts believe Trump’s chances are slim. Other prominent names in the race include former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, and Pope Francis, who passed away in April.
The winner will receive 11 million Swedish kronor (₹10.3 crore), along with a gold medal and certificate. If shared, the amount will be divided among the laureates. The award ceremony will take place on December 10 in Oslo.
Gandhi Nominated 5 Times, Never Won
Between 1937 and 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never won. In 1948, when Gandhi was the clear frontrunner, his assassination occurred just before the nomination closed. The Committee chose not to award anyone that year, stating it couldn’t find another individual who embodied Gandhi’s ideals of peace and non-violence.
Trump’s Controversial Nomination
Surprisingly, both Pakistan and Israel nominated Trump for the 2025 prize. Pakistan credited him for mediating a ceasefire with India, while Israel cited his efforts in halting conflict with Iran.
But Trump’s nomination faces a procedural hurdle — the deadline for nominations closed on January 31, 2025, just 11 days after he took office. According to Nobel Committee rules, nominations received after that date are invalid for the current year.
Analysts suggest Trump’s peace initiatives, including the recent Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, came too late to influence this year’s decision. Nobel Committee member Nina Greger said the Gaza truce “will not impact this year’s award,” though it could strengthen Trump’s chances next year if the peace holds.
Other Notable Nominees
- Imran Khan – Nominated by the Pakistan World Alliance for promoting human rights and democracy. Currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, he is serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case.
- Elon Musk – Nominated by European MP Branko Grims for championing freedom of expression. Musk, however, has stated he does not want any awards.
About the Nobel Prize
Established in 1895 through the will of scientist and inventor Alfred Bernhard Nobel, the prizes were first awarded in 1901 in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace, with Economics added later.
According to Nobel rules, nominee names remain confidential for 50 years.
So far, the Peace Prize has been awarded 141 times, recognizing 111 individuals and 30 organizations.
Indians Who Won the Peace Prize
- Mother Teresa (1979): Honoured for her humanitarian work through the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
- Kailash Satyarthi (2014): Recognized for his Bachpan Bachao Andolan, rescuing children from bonded labour; shared the award with Malala Yousafzai.
A Glimpse Inside the Secret Nobel Committee Meeting
For the first time in 125 years, the media — BBC and a Norwegian broadcaster — were allowed inside a Nobel Peace Committee session in Oslo.
Five members, appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, met in a traditional room lined with portraits of past laureates, leaving an empty space for this year’s winner.
Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said, “Our discussions are intense but respectful — every decision is made by consensus.”
Before deliberations, the committee read Alfred Nobel’s will, which specifies that the Peace Prize must go to someone who:
- Promotes friendship between nations,
- Works to reduce wars, and
- Encourages peaceful negotiations.
The doors then closed, and the committee cast its secret vote to decide this year’s laureate.
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