The Norwegian Nobel Committee reveals 287 candidates under consideration for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, including former U.S. President Donald Trump among likely nominees.
Candidate List Details
Kristian Berg Harpviken, secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee since January 2025, confirmed the list features 208 individuals and 79 organizations. He highlighted substantial changes from the prior year, stating, “Since I am new in the job, one of the things that has to some extent surprised me is how much renewal there is from year to year on the list.”
Despite rising global conflicts, Harpviken stressed the award’s growing importance: “The Peace Prize is even more important in a period like the one we’re living in. There is as much good work, if not more, than ever.”
Trump’s Nomination Status
Leaders from Cambodia, Israel, and Pakistan have indicated they nominated Trump during spring and summer 2025, before the January 31 deadline. Nominations remain confidential for 50 years, and Harpviken did not confirm Trump’s inclusion. A nomination does not signify endorsement by the committee.
Thousands worldwide qualify to nominate, including government members, parliamentarians, heads of state, professors in relevant fields, and past laureates.
Other Potential Nominees
Betting sites list figures like Russia’s Yulia Navalnaya, Pope Leo, and Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms as contenders.
Norwegian lawmaker Lars Haltbrekken nominated U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Aaja Chemnitz, a Danish parliament member from Greenland. Haltbrekken praised their efforts: “Together they have worked relentlessly to build trust and to secure a peaceful development of the Arctic region over many years.” Greenland draws attention amid Trump’s campaign to purchase the territory from Denmark.
Concerns for 2023 Laureate
The committee expresses deep worry over 2023 winner Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian human rights activist, whose health deteriorates following a heart attack in prison. Harpviken noted, “Her sister was able to visit her in prison yesterday and the reports coming out after that are actually quite alarming as to her health condition.” He added, “We see there is a lot of international pressure now. So we hope that the Iranian authorities do pay attention to that and release her so that she can have proper medical treatment.” Supporters warn her life hangs in the balance.
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize announces on October 9, with the ceremony on December 10. Last year’s recipient was Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
