Maltese Foreign Minister’s nomination ignites political storm over peace, diplomacy, and credibility
By Sadia J. Choudhury │ New York, October 10, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize by Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg, setting off a wave of mixed reactions across the world.
Borg announced the nomination in a Facebook post, praising Trump’s “role in mediating global conflicts,” including efforts in Armenia-Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
According to Borg, “Trump reshaped the global approach to dialogue and diplomacy.”
However, critics have quickly labeled the move as politically charged, suggesting that the nomination serves Trump’s image ahead of the upcoming election rather than reflecting genuine peace-building achievements.
Peace Prize or Political Promotion?
Observers note that the Nobel Peace Prize traditionally honors sustained humanitarian work, nonviolence, and long-term diplomatic stability. Many question whether Trump’s record meets those standards.
As Time Magazine wrote:
“Trump’s peace narrative relies more on self-promotion than on sustainable diplomacy.”
Supporters, on the other hand, argue that Trump was a bold and unconventional peacemaker who prioritized “deals over wars” and disrupted the status quo of traditional diplomacy.
Public Opinion: “He Brought Division, Not Peace”
A Washington Post–Ipsos poll revealed that 76% of Americans do not believe Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
Another international survey found that two-thirds of respondents felt Trump’s presidency increased global polarization rather than reducing conflict.
Former Nobel Committee adviser Ole Danbolt Mjøs commented:
“Peace is not just about ending wars; it’s about justice. The committee must decide whether Trump’s actions meet that deeper standard.”
Diplomatic Ripples and the Committee’s Challenge
The nomination has created ripples across diplomatic circles. European officials say the move adds unnecessary political pressure on the Nobel Committee at a time when global conflicts are escalating and moral credibility is paramount.
The official announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize is expected on Friday, October 10.
The Nobel Committee has reaffirmed that its decision will be guided by genuine peace efforts, not politics or popularity.
The Larger Question: What Truly Defines Peace?
Whether Trump wins or not, the nomination itself has reignited one of the most profound questions in global politics — what does peace really mean?
If he wins, it could become one of the most controversial Nobel Peace Prizes in modern history.
If he doesn’t, he still succeeds — by returning to the center of global attention in an election year.
“Peace is not a prize — it’s a practice.”
Perhaps that is the real message behind the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize debate.
