Trump Receives Nobel Peace Prize in Controversial, Separate Ceremony
Locales: NORWAY, UNITED STATES

Oslo, Norway - February 1, 2026 - The Norwegian capital is bracing for a potentially fraught event today as former U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive his Nobel Peace Prize medal and certificate. The ceremony, taking place independently of the traditional Nobel festivities, has sparked both excitement and protest, and has prompted the Nobel Committee to issue a clarifying statement distancing itself from the event's organization.
As People Magazine first reported, a Nobel Committee representative confirmed that the committee is not involved in the ceremonial presentation. "The Nobel Committee is not involved in the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo and has no comment on the specific arrangements," the spokesperson stated. This clarification comes amidst speculation regarding the nature of the ceremony and concerns about potential political demonstrations.
Trump was awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations - specifically the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The decision, made by the then-current Nobel Committee, was highly controversial at the time, drawing criticism from those who questioned the lasting impact of the accords and argued the prize was awarded prematurely, and with clear political motivations tied to the then-ongoing US Presidential election.
While the accords did represent a significant diplomatic shift in the Middle East, critics pointed to existing, albeit unofficial, relationships between some of the involved nations and Israel. They argued that Trump's role was largely one of facilitating already-developing trends rather than initiating genuine peace-building efforts. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the exclusion of Palestinians from the negotiations, a factor many considered crucial for a truly comprehensive and lasting peace.
The fact that this medal presentation is occurring separately from the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, typically held in Oslo's City Hall in December, is highly unusual. Sources close to the organizing body for this independent ceremony indicate it's being privately funded by a consortium of pro-Trump donors and a foundation established shortly after the prize announcement - The 'Abrahamic Harmony Initiative'.
Security around the city is significantly heightened. Norwegian police have implemented increased patrols and established designated protest zones in anticipation of demonstrations from both supporters and opponents of Trump. Left-leaning political groups have already announced plans for a large-scale protest, citing concerns over the normalization of what they deem a divisive and problematic political figure. Right-wing groups are also expected to mobilize, demonstrating support for Trump and the Abraham Accords.
The separation of this ceremony from the official Nobel proceedings underscores the lasting controversy surrounding the 2020 award. While the Nobel Committee maintains it operates independently of political pressure, the decision to award the prize to Trump - and the subsequent fallout - has undoubtedly left a mark. The Committee's statement today effectively confirms that it wants no association with an event that appears to be more of a political rally than a traditional prize presentation.
The long-term impact of the Abraham Accords remains to be seen. While relations between Israel and the aforementioned Arab nations have warmed, the underlying issues driving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain unresolved. Many observers believe that genuine, lasting peace requires a more inclusive approach that addresses the legitimate concerns of all parties involved.
Today's event in Oslo is therefore not simply a ceremonial handing over of a medal; it's a symbolic moment that highlights the ongoing debate about the meaning of peace, the role of diplomacy, and the lasting legacy of a controversial political leader. The Nobel Committee's silence speaks volumes, and the streets of Oslo are poised to become a battleground of ideas and opinions.
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/nobel-committee-reacts-trump-getting-peace-prize-medal-11887148 ]