MAGA erupts after Trump doesn't win Nobel Peace Prize
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An aerial view of "Nobel 4 Trump" in a field, written by Israeli farmers for the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, on Oct. 9. Photo: Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images
MAGA is enraged that President Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize Friday, claiming politics was at play in denying him the award for which he openly lobbied.
Why it matters: MAGA is inherently skeptical of established, international bodies and fiercely loyal to the president. His perceived snub hits two of the movement's most sensitive nerves.
What they're saying: MAGA commentators were adamant that Trump, not María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, was deserving of the honor. They specifically cited the ceasefire deal clinched between Israel and Hamas this week, though the Norwegian Nobel Committee likely made its decision before that deal was announced.
- "No one is surprised the globalists would snub our President," posted podcaster Jack Posobiec.
- "The Nobel is a joke and is below Trump. It is beneath his dignity and stature," The Federalist's Sean Davis added.
- "Peace in the Middle East has eluded Presidents for DECADES. It's a disgrace President Trump didn't receive the Nobel Peace Prize for all he has done for peace in the region. Since the committee didn't do it, I will!" Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) wrote on X, adding an AI-generated image of him handing Trump the award.
Driving the news: The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Friday that Machado, not Trump, would win the prize.
- Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer, is in hiding and was barred from running for president against strongman Nicolás Maduro, who has held power since 2013.
- "Maria Corina Machado has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace," the committee said in a release.
- "She embodies the hope of a different future, one where the fundamental rights of citizens are protected, and their voices are heard. In this future, people will finally be free to live in peace."
Machado wrote on X: "I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!"
Zoom out: MAGA has always been sore about former President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, viewing it as undeserved and emblematic of a preference for liberals by international polite society.
- Trump, claiming credit for ending a fluctuating number of international conflicts from Europe to Asia to Africa, repeatedly floated himself for the prize, with MAGA loyalists echoing his call.
- A string of world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also nominated him in an apparent attempt to curry diplomatic favor.
Go deeper: Venezuelan opposition leader wins Nobel Peace Prize over Trump
