Donald Trump is having a rough week. After trying to broker peace and lobbying for the Nobel Peace Prize, he was left empty-handed when the award went to Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado. Machado is celebrated for her relentless fight for democratic rights, which has many wondering who the Nobel Committee thinks is a bigger deal: a former president’s attempts at peace negotiations or a leader battling dictatorship.
In a classic Trump move, his spokesman, Steven Cheung, didn’t hold back on his thoughts. Cheung claimed the Nobel Committee put politics ahead of peace because, apparently, they forgot to check Trump’s Twitter feed first! But in reality, can we really blame the committee for passing on a former leader who has a habit of claiming credit for everything from the weather to world peace?
For years, Trump has been touting his desire for this prestigious award, and now, after trying to take credit for the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, he’s back to the drawing board. Like a kid who didn’t get the toy he wanted, one has to wonder: is there a consolation prize for trying? That said, there’s always next year for the Nobel winner’s spotlight, right?
What do you think? Should political figures be recognized for peacemaking efforts, or should we focus on grassroots advocates like Machado instead?
