As Donald Trump aims for the Nobel Peace Prize, explore the list of US presidents and leaders who have previously won this prestigious award. Learn history, achievements & dates.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2025 is set to be announced this Friday, and US President Donald Trump has signaled his ambition to claim the honour. On Thursday, the White House shared an image of the Republican leader with the caption, “The Peace President,” reflecting Trump’s ongoing campaign for the prestigious award.
Trump has repeatedly touted his role in brokering seven peace deals during his tenure, including one between India and Pakistan—a claim strongly denied by New Delhi. The president also suggested that the Nobel Committee may “find a reason” to deny him the award.
This year, Trump has been nominated for the Peace Prize by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Cambodian leader Hun Manet, members of the US Congress, and the Pakistan government.
Historically, only four US presidents and one US vice-president have received the Nobel Peace Prize:
Theodore Roosevelt (1906):
The first US president to win, Roosevelt was recognised for mediating the Russo-Japanese War through the Treaty of Portsmouth. His Nobel medal remains in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.
Woodrow Wilson (1919):
Wilson, the 28th US president, was honoured for his efforts in ending World War I and establishing the League of Nations, the first intergovernmental organisation aimed at maintaining global peace.
Jimmy Carter (2002):
Carter received the award 21 years after leaving office, lauded for his decades-long dedication to resolving international conflicts, advancing human rights, and promoting economic and social development.
Barack Obama (2009):
The 44th US president was awarded less than a year into his presidency for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation,” including advocacy for nuclear disarmament and climate action.
Al Gore (2007):
Although not a president, former Vice President Gore shared the 2007 Peace Prize with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for efforts to increase awareness about man-made climate change.
As Trump positions himself for the 2025 award, the spotlight is back on US leaders whose legacies have been defined not only by domestic policy but by their global peace initiatives.
