On Friday, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his supportive remarks regarding his role in mediating various international crises. This acknowledgment came in the wake of Trump's exclusion from the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. "Thank you, President Putin," Trump briefly noted on Truth Social, reacting to comments made by the Kremlin's head during a regional summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
At the summit, Putin highlighted Trump's diplomatic contributions, stating, "He is truly doing a lot to resolve crises that have persisted for years, even decades," referring specifically to Trump's involvement in negotiating the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
When questioned about the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Putin criticized the Norwegian Committee, suggesting that Trump's contributions had been unfairly overlooked. "There have been instances where the Nobel Prize was given to individuals who have done nothing for peace," remarked Putin.
Putin openly challenged the Nobel Committee's judgment, asserting, "These decisions have significantly tarnished the prize's prestige," and adding that sometimes "it is awarded to someone within a few months without any real achievement." His comments coincided with the official announcement of the Peace Prize going to Machado, who is celebrated for her steadfast advocacy of democratic rights in Venezuela. The Committee praised her as a "brave and committed defender of peace."
In September, during a meeting with top military officials in Quantico, Virginia, Trump had already expressed his skepticism: "If this works, we will have resolved eight conflicts in eight months. The Nobel? Of course not. They'll give it to the guy who wrote a book about my mind."
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump and the Nobel Prize
What did Putin say about Trump's role in global peace efforts?
Putin praised Trump for his efforts in resolving long-standing international crises, particularly highlighting his role in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Why did Trump thank Putin on Truth Social?
Trump thanked Putin for his supportive comments about his diplomatic efforts, especially after being excluded from the Nobel Peace Prize consideration.
How did Putin criticize the Nobel Peace Prize Committee?
Putin criticized the Committee for awarding the prize to individuals he believed had not contributed to peace, suggesting that Trump's exclusion was unjust.