Nobel Institute Responds to Trump’s Peace Prize Complaints
The Norwegian Nobel Institute is increasing transparency regarding its selection process to counter accusations of bias, particularly those stemming from President Donald Trump’s persistent demands for a Nobel Peace Prize. Director Kristian Berg Harpviken emphasized that the institute’s strategy is to openly explain its work and principles to the public. While declining to name Trump directly, Harpviken assured that candidates campaigning for themselves are neither penalized nor privileged. This comes after a series of unusual events, including FIFA awarding Trump an invented peace prize and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presenting him with her actual Nobel Peace Prize medal, despite the institute’s clear pronouncements that such transfers are impossible. The Norwegian Prime Minister also reiterated the independent nature of the Nobel Committee when pressed by Trump.