In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump reached out to Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg to discuss trade tariffs and his aspirations to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The unexpected call, initially reported by Norwegian newspaper Dagens Næringsliv and later confirmed by a government official in Oslo, sheds light on Trump’s persistent pursuit of the prestigious award.
Stoltenberg, the former NATO secretary-general, revealed that Trump engaged in a conversation with him and several key members of his team, including Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Representative Greer. While the primary topics of discussion were tariffs and economic cooperation, the conversation also touched upon Trump’s desire to bolster his chances for the Nobel Peace Prize.
This outreach comes ahead of Trump’s upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, a critical juncture that could significantly impact his candidacy for the peace prize. Trump’s handling of the Ukraine conflict during the meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of his peacemaking efforts.
Despite facing criticism for his stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Trump has taken steps to demonstrate his commitment to peace, including brokering agreements between nations like India and Pakistan, as well as hosting talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve longstanding conflicts.
With nominations from various countries, including Israel, Pakistan, and Cambodia, Trump remains hopeful about his chances of joining the ranks of past U.S. presidents who have been Nobel Peace Prize laureates. However, his skepticism about the Nobel Committee’s willingness to award him the prize was evident during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year.
As the speculation around Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize prospects continues, the White House has yet to comment on the matter. The outcome of his diplomatic efforts and international engagements will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding his candidacy for the prestigious accolade.
