US President Donald Trump has missed out on the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, which has been awarded to South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her contributions to human rights, peace and international law.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the 85-year-old former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as this year’s laureate on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Pillay was recognised for her decades-long legal career, which included defending anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, serving as a judge at international courts and helping advance accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes praised her contribution to international law and her firm moral compass, stressing the importance of protecting the rule of law at a time when international legal institutions face mounting pressure.
Trump had repeatedly expressed his desire to receive the prestigious award, claiming credit for efforts to resolve international conflicts. In a speech at the United Nations in September 2025, he said he had “ended seven un-endable wars”.
Last year, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democratic rights in Venezuela. Machado later presented her medal to Trump as a gesture, but the Nobel Committee has clarified that the award itself cannot be transferred to another person.
The Nobel Peace Prize, established under the will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, recognises individuals or organisations that make significant contributions to peace. The 2026 laureate will receive a gold medal, a diploma and prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor. <Cite refs={[“turn722340search0″,”turn722340search3″,”turn722340search5″,”turn722340search7”]}/>
