Donald Trump (Credit: AFP)
Trump downplays Nobel Peace Prize ambitions
US President Donald Trump has sought to downplay weeks of speculation about his potential candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize, insisting that his priority remains saving lives.
“I have nothing to say about it,” Trump told CBS News. “All I can do is put out wars.”
He added, “I don't seek attention. I just want to save lives.”
The remarks contrast with previous statements in which Trump suggested he deserved the accolade for his role in resolving multiple conflicts.
Read more: MAP: Which countries have nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize?
In February, he said, “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it.” His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, later reinforced the claim, arguing in July that it was “well past time” for Trump to receive the honour.
Trump’s comments came during a telephone interview in which he reaffirmed his commitment to helping broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. “Something is going to happen. We are going to get it done,” he said.
The US president is expected to speak by phone with pro-Ukraine European leaders meeting in Paris on Thursday, while his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, attends in person. Witkoff has previously described Trump as the “single finest” Nobel candidate in history, citing his “game-changing” efforts to resolve conflicts.
The Nobel Peace Prize is due to be announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee on October 10. Four previous US presidents have received the prize, including Trump’s political rival, Barack Obama.
Read more: Is Trump finally the peacemaker he promised, or just after the prize?
Trump has been nominated by multiple countries, including 'Israel' and Pakistan, and has claimed credit for easing tensions between Pakistan and India earlier this year, one of several conflicts he says he has “ended.”
Analysts have questioned the longevity and scope of some of these interventions, noting that some conflicts lasted only a few days despite being rooted in long-standing disputes.
