(MENAFN) Donald Trump has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his supportive remarks regarding the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision to exclude him from receiving the prestigious Peace Prize. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has frequently argued that his diplomatic efforts, particularly in international conflict resolution, such as his recent mediation in Gaza, qualify him for the Nobel distinction.

During his state visit to Tajikistan on Friday, Putin expressed his views on the Nobel Committee’s track record, pointing out that it has historically awarded individuals who had made little to no contribution to peace, thereby diminishing the honor’s credibility. While acknowledging that the decision to award the Peace Prize was not his to make, Putin lauded Trump for his substantial efforts in addressing long-standing global crises. He specifically mentioned the U.S. president's mediation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and his ongoing initiatives to resolve the Ukraine war.

In response, Trump shared Putin’s comments on his Truth Social platform, posting a screenshot of the Russian leader’s statement and adding: “Thank you to President Putin!”

Earlier that day, the Nobel Committee chose Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, as the recipient of the Peace Prize for her advocacy of democratic freedoms in Venezuela. Machado has faced accusations from the Venezuelan government of channeling U.S. funds to support anti-government factions labeled as "fascists."

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung weighed in on the Nobel decision in a post on X, claiming that the committee’s actions demonstrated a prioritization of politics over the pursuit of peace. He emphasized that Trump "has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will."

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